EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MARCH 17, 2009
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Linda A. Russo, Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
ABSENT Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:42 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.
To accommodate those present, the Council agreed to take the following item out of order.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Presentation and Financial Update from Premier Martial Arts and Tolland Automotive re: K-9 Protective Vests.
Rich Kohler from Premier Martial Arts and George Fellows from Tolland Automotive
explained that, due to the generosity of the citizens of East Hartford, protective vests have
been purchased for all three K-9’s. Approximately $10,000 was raised and approximately
$6,000 was used to pay for the three protective vests. The remaining funds were
deposited in a special account at the East Hartford Federal Credit Union, which will help
fund future K-9 endeavors. Members of Premier Martial Arts school, along with Mr.
Kohler, presented the protective vests to Officer Stephen Grossi and K-9 Odin, Officer
John Zavalick and K-9 Axel, and Officer Todd Mona and K-9 Primo.
Officer Zavalick, on behalf of the East Hartford Police Department’s K-9 division, thanked
all involved for the donation of the protective vests.
Mayor Currey recognized Officer Mona’s return to work after an injury sustained while in
the line of duty. Mayor Currey also thanked Ernie and Lisa Hutt, owners of Augie and
Ray’s, for their personal involvement in supporting this worthwhile cause.
Chair Kehoe also noted that Officer Zavalick’s former K-9 partner, Raven, passed away
recently. Raven worked for the East Hartford Police Department from August 1998 through March 2006 and has been credited with more than 130 finds, including two children and an Alzheimer’s patient. He won 3 K-9 Olympic Championships and assisted at “Ground Zero” in New York on September 12, 2001. He served the town well.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Bill Horan
to amend the agenda by adding the following item:
Under New Business, item 9. F. – Recommendation from Tax Policy
Committee re: Tax Lien Sales.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) suggested that adding important items to the agenda be modified to give citizens more time to evaluate the material; (2) thanked union members for negotiating concessions on their contracts, but believes that no wage increases should be approved for town employees; (3) asked that the Council have a public hearing or public forum to explain employee contracts and/or pensions; and (4) suggested that ordinances be changed to incorporate the requirement of public hearings when dealing with union contracts and employee wages and pensions.
Mayor Currey (1) explained that the renegotiated union contract of Local 2001 on tonight’s agenda actually calls for a decrease in wages for each member in the upcoming fiscal year; (2) stated that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held on Saturday, March 14th in Hartford was a success; (3) explained that the route for the Memorial Day Parade has changed due to construction on the Burnside Avenue “S” curve; and (4) stated that the 2010 census is coming soon and stressed the importance of being counted.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 28, 2009 Budget Workshop
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the February 28, 2009 Budget Workshop minutes as corrected
on March 17, 2009.
Motion carried 8/0.
March 2, 2009 Budget Workshop
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the March 2, 2009 Budget Workshop minutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
March 3, 2009 Executive Session/UTC
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the March 3, 2009 Executive Session/UTC minutes as corrected on March 17, 2009.
Motion carried 8/0.
March 3, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the March 3, 2009 Regular Meeting minutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
March 4, 2009 Public Hearing/Budget
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the March 4, 2009 Public Hearing/Budget minutes.
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to correct the March 4, 2009 Public Hearing/Budget minutes as follows:
“Absent – Councillor Patricia Harmon”.
Motion carried 8/0.
On call of the vote of the amended motion, motion carried 8/0.
March 10, 2009 Special Meeting/Budget
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the March 10, 2009 Special Meeting/Budget minutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
RESOLUTIONS
Grocery Deliver Grant
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
That Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $7,500 and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a funding agreement and any amendments as may be required with the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for the purposes of administering a grocery delivery to elderly residents program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0. (Leclerc out of Chamber)
Grandparents as Primary Caregivers Grant
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
That Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $3,465 and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a funding agreement and any amendments as may be required with the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for the purposes of administering a grandparents as primary caregivers program for elderly residents.
On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0. (Leclerc out of Chamber)
Live Long, Live Well Program Grant
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Pat Harmon
to adopt the following resolution:
That Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $8,000 and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a funding agreement and any amendments as may be required with the North Central Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for the purposes of administering a health and wellness education program for elderly residents.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
FEMA – Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
Whereas, the Federal Fire Protection and Control Act of 1974 established a competitive financial assistance
program through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) entitled “Fire Prevention and Safety
Grant”; and
Whereas, the East Hartford Fire Department wishes to make application to this Program to support the creation of a fire safety code awareness program for building owners and managers; and
Whereas, the total of this application shall not exceed $12,000.00.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding these items under the “Fire Prevention and Safety Grant”.
AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorizes the submission of this grant application to FEMA and authorizes its Mayor, Melody A. Currey to act as representative of the Town and to enter into contract and make any amendments thereto to receive funding from FEMA.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS (Cont’d)
Sounds of Summer Concert Series 2009 Update
Chair Kehoe read from a memo written by Roger Moss, Parks and Recreation Director to Mayor Currey which stated that, to date, the town has collected $4,625.00 in donations for the Sounds of Summer Concert Series from MDC, United Steel, Center Studios Chuck Koteen, Marilyn Pet and New Alliance Bank.
Town Council Subcommittee Assignments
Chair Kehoe noted that Linda Russo has been appointed to fill certain vacancies created by Jason Rojas’ departure from the Council when elected to the State Legislature. Those positions are: Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee, Emergency Medical Services and Housing Authority Liaison. Additionally, Chair Kehoe will serve as Liaison to the Board of Education.
NEW BUSINESS
Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:
Memorial Day Parade
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application submitted by the East Hartford Patriotic Commission to hold the town’s annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2009 from 10:30 AM to approximately 12:00 Noon, 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.
Olmstead Summer Classic – Hartford Pops
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application submitted by Riverfront Recapture, Inc. to conduct the Olmstead Summer Classic, a Hartford Pops concert, to be held in Great River Park in East Hartford on Friday, June 5, 2009 and Friday, August 7, 2009 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 8/0.
Riverfest – 2009
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application filed on behalf of Riverfront Recapture, Inc. by its Director of Events, Charles Myers to conduct an outdoor musical performance and fireworks display on Saturday July 11, 2009 between the hours of 4PM and 11PM, with a rain date of July 12, 2009, in the vicinity of Founders Plaza and Great River Park on East River Drive with music occurring between 4PM to 10:30PM and a fireworks display occurring at 9:30PM to 10PM, 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.
Gengras Harley-Davidson Spring Open House
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application of Gengras Harley-Davidson Buell to hold the Spring Open House Weekend on their premises at 221 Governor Street on Saturday, April 4th from 9AM to 4PM and Sunday, April 5th from 10AM to 4PM, with music on both days from 12PM to 3:30PM, and to waive the 30-day filing period for the permit application, 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.
Recommended Modifications to Rentschler Field Enterprise Zone Boundaries Map
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the amended map of the Enterprise Zone as referenced in and attached to the memorandum from Development Director Jeanne Webb to Mayor Melody Currey dated March 9, 2009, which map shall be submitted to the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development for approval of the Enterprise Zone as amended.
Motion carried 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $6,310.17
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Interest |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
|
2007-01-0002305 |
CARDONA JOSUE |
1242 FORBES ST |
|
-2,099.25 |
2007-03-0056345 |
CASANOVA BIVIANA |
495WGY |
|
-27.51 |
2007-03-0058909 |
CRUZ JOSE M |
782WBK |
|
-33.88 |
2007-03-0059718 |
DAVIS WILLIAM III |
970WDL |
-5.78 |
-48.14 |
2006-03-0059823 |
DCFS TRUST |
910TJB |
0 |
-119.56 |
2007-03-0062513 |
FENTY ANTHONY |
367UZX |
|
-21.72 |
2006-01-0006681 |
HERNANDEZ KENY |
68-70 WELLS AVE |
|
-93.29 |
2007-01-0006681 |
HERNANDEZ KENY |
68-70 WELLS AVE |
|
-165.96 |
2007-03-0075501 |
HUFFIELD KATHRYN A |
965WAL |
|
-50.67 |
2006-04-0084573 |
JOHN MATTHEW P |
529UVN |
|
-37.79 |
2007-04-0085371 |
MARTIN MARY A OR |
PE272 |
|
-25.62 |
|
MARTIN JAMES P |
|
|
|
2007-04-0085669 |
MELO MONICA S |
978WYP |
|
-60.24 |
2007-03-0077147 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
1N4BA41E44C898331 |
|
-209.5 |
2007-04-0086176 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
1N4BL21EX7C222923 |
|
-532.06 |
2007-04-0086192 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
1N4CL21E37C234917 |
|
-225.55 |
2006-03-0077494 |
SAVER EDITH TERESA OR |
903MRT |
|
-22.16 |
|
MCCARTHY GEORGE T |
|
|
|
2007-03-0078990 |
PAYTON AMANDA R |
345KRZ |
|
-55.82 |
2007-04-0087796 |
SAMELA JOHN H |
449WSC |
|
-6.68 |
2007-04-0088180 |
SKEELS CYNTHIA OR |
616WHY |
|
-269.83 |
|
SKEELS ROBERT |
|
|
|
2007-03-0085780 |
SMITH JOHNNY L |
870PUP |
|
-9.66 |
2006-03-0088260 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTEHH20V720155937 |
|
-263.11 |
2006-03-0088262 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
5TDBT44A44S205852 |
|
-57.56 |
2006-03-0088278 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2T1KY32E83C108176 |
|
-89.94 |
2006-03-0088290 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
4T1BE32K35U022113 |
|
-212.39 |
2006-03-0088318 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTEBU14R640028530 |
|
-95.98 |
2006-03-0088330 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTEEP21A350071507 |
|
-52.64 |
2007-03-0088118 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
4T1BE46K17U018998 |
|
-151.54 |
2007-03-0088130 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
4T1BE32K75U600858 |
|
-115.92 |
2007-03-0088137 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTHBN36F155014263 |
|
-236.26 |
2007-03-0088138 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
4T1BK36B05U013713 |
|
-226.1 |
2007-03-0088140 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTEBU14RX50068739 |
|
-216.96 |
2007-03-0088141 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2T1BR32E75C484240 |
|
-110.53 |
2007-03-0088157 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
4T1BK46K07U002820 |
|
-125.26 |
2007-03-0088176 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
JTEBU14R640028530 |
|
-235.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
SUBTOTAL |
|
|
-5.78 |
-6,304.39 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
|
-6310.17 |
Referral to Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee re: 6 Samson Street and 3 Hillside Avenue
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refer to the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee the issue
of the town receiving, in the form of a gift, the property at 6 Samson Street
and 3 Hillside Avenue and to review the matter and report back to the East
Hartford Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 8/0.
Agreement between CSEA Local 2001, SEIU, CTW, CLC (formerly known as MEU Local 760) and the Town of East Hartford regarding Labor Concessions
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Bill Horan
to approve the Agreement between CSEA, Local 2001, SEIU, CTW, CLC
(formerly known as MEU-Municipal Employees Union Local 760) and the Town of East Hartford for the period of July 1,2008 through June 30, 2010 as signed by Steven V. Bielenda, Esq., Human Resource Director and Michael Dayton, President CSEA-Local 2001 (formerly MEU Local 760) on February 27, 2009 and ratified by their members on March 11, 2009.
Motion carried 8/0.
Note: Once signed, a copy of the fully executed contract will follow these minutes.
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Bill Horan
to approve the following transfer of money to provide a source of funding
for the CSEA Local 2001 (formerly MEU Local 760) contract settlement for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009:
Motion carried 8/0.
Recommendation from Tax Policy Committee re: Tax Lien Sales
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to authorize the administration to conduct a tax lien sale by way of a
request for proposal (RFP) and to seek and receive sealed bids pursuant
~~~~~~~~~~~ to an invitation to bid on a number of tax liens held by the town on
~~~~~~~~~ specific real property as listed on a "delinquent report" produced by the
Finance Director dated February 3, 2009 to all Town Council members
subject to the following four conditions:
- The Collector of Revenue shall notify the~record owner of each property subject to a lien that is to be included in the tax lien sale, by certified mail, that the lien is being included in the request for proposal and invitation to bid, and that~the owner should contact the Town immediately to pay the taxes or seek a payment plan if they wish to keep the Town's tax liens on their property from being sold;
- Said letter shall state that the town is presently requiring only a 10% down payment in order to get on a payment plan, instead of the standard 25% down payment normally required;
- The letters from the Collector of Revenue to each property owner shall notify the property owner that the purchaser of the tax lien on their property shall have the right to foreclose on that property, and
- The Administration shall return to the Town Council with the results of the request for proposal and that the proposal for each tax lien must be approved by the Town Council before it is sold.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Eric Thompson (1) inquired on the use of approximately $125,000 of federal funds allocated for East Hartford’s Youth Task Force; (2) asked for an update on the Mayor’s Green Committee; and (3) reiterated a question asked by Councillor Harmon during the budget workshops regarding uncollected parking ticket fines and what can be done to have a better collection rate in this area.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Marjorie Smith, 161 Sisson Street, brought to the Council’s attention several areas in town that are of concern to her and need repair in order to better serve the disabled residents in East Hartford. Mrs. Smith presented the Council a list of possible repairs which is on file in the Council Clerk’s office.
Bruce Gaudette and Debbie Gaudette, 22 Higbie Drive, who each Chair the Commission on Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Commission on Aging, respectively, agreed with Mrs. Smith on various road and sidewalk safety issues that directly impact the elderly and disabled in town. Mrs. Gaudette also suggested that (1) citizens be afforded an opportunity to speak on any issue at the start of Town Council meetings; and (2) the Council is more involved on the negotiation level of the Board of Education’s budget process.
Mayor Currey thanked the speakers for coming forward to bring their concerns on road and sidewalk safety to the Council and stated that she has asked for a considerable amount of money in her stimulus package to address the sidewalk repairs in town.
Councillor Rossi read a Gaelic blessing in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Marc Weinberg wished a happy birthday to Councillor Pat Harmon.
Vice Chair Horan wished Minority Leader Donald Pitkin a speedy recovery and thanked Channel 5 for their volunteer efforts televising the Council meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (9:44 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on April 7, 2009.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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