EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 2, 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, Patricia Harmon and Eric Thompson
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:50 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.
AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA
MOTION By Eric Thompson
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to add the following item:
Item 3. D. under Recognitions and Awards – Service to Youth Award
Motion carried 9/0.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
East Hartford High School Class of 2009: 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 2009 - the 123rd 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
Nicole Wallace, Valedictorian Julia Harris, Salutatorian
Amanda Townsend Molly Callahan Merrill Bajana
Andrew Sime Rachael Nystrom Jimmy Nguyen
Kelly Geoghegan Ruth Boansi Timothy Shea
Catherine Lam Thomas Brinley Andrew Jackwin
Malessa Rodrigues Arianna Larson Serra Borawski
Rebecca Puretz Michael Ryan Thelma Boamah
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.
Chair Kehoe and Mayor Currey distributed the awards to those Top Twenty students in attendance. 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.
Connecticut Conference of Municipalities: Municipal Service Awards
The Chair stated that the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) Municipal Service award is given out annually to those individuals who have worked for the town for twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five years and more. Those individuals are:
Kenneth Beliveau Kenneth Combs James Cordier Sharon Eiter
Kevin Foran Stephen Foran Robert Fournier Clifford Leonard
Robert McDonald Paul Mangiafico John Manion John Murphy
James Murray Janet Penney Curtis Stoldt Gerald Tomkiel
Gary Willett, Jr.
The Mayor distributed the awards to those present and additionally recognized John Kershaw who has worked for the town for forty-five years. Ms. Currey congratulated all on their years of dedicated service to the Town of East Hartford.
Peers are Wonderful Support (PAWS) Presentation
Cephus Nolen, Director of Youth Services, gave the Council a brief description of how and why PAWS was created. Linda Chamberlain, Youth Services Program Coordinator, presented the PAWS award to those students present. The Mayor presented the following proclamation:
Be it hereby known to all that East Hartford Mayor Melody A. Currey
and members of the East Hartford Town Council hereby offer their sincerest congratulations to:
Jaime Beaver Michael Quintero Arianna Larson
Kimberly Barrington Lisa Muraski Haley Sluboski
Jacob Krechko Anthony Delgado Josh Dillon Nolan Callahan
Brian Reynolds, Peer Advisor
Christine Blackley, Peer Helper
upon participating as a Peer Leader in the
Paws Community Project
(Peers Are Wonderful Support)
On behalf of the citizenry of the Town of East Hartford, we hereby extend our best wishes and gratitude for Nolan’s contribution to this
valuable program.
The Mayor and the Council congratulated the recipients of this valuable award.
Service to Youth Award
Director Cephus Nolen announced that this year’s award goes to Jennifer Hills, a teacher at Sunset Ridge School, who is being recognized for her outstanding service to East Hartford youth. The nominating letter for this year’s award, written by Gregory Fox, the former Assistant Principal of Sunset Ridge School and currently the Principal of Langford Elementary School was read by Dr. Pauline Fusco, Principal of Sunset Ridge School.
The Mayor along with Dr. Fusco presented Ms. Hill with the 2009 Service to Youth Award.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) asked that there be more of a concerted effort to collect back taxes in relation to the Suspense List; and (2) inquired on why the property at Daley Court is being sold for $50,000 when the tax assessment value is $2.2M. Also, Ms. Kniep commented on the blighted condition of this property.
Mayor Currey (1) stated that mosquito control has started; (2) reported that one case of the H1 N1 flu (Swine Flu) has been reported in East Hartford; and (3) announced that the Hartford Pops will be performing on Friday, June 5th at 7:00 p.m. at Great River Park.
Chair Kehoe recognized Councillor Marc Weinberg with a point of personal privilege. Councillor Weinberg wished a happy birthday to Councillor Linda Russo and to Corporation Counsel Scott Chadwick.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 19, 2009 Executive Session/Jackson v. Binkley & Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2009 Executive Session/Jackson v.
Binkley & Town of East Hartford.
Motion carried 9/0.
May 19, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
RESOLUTIONS
Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to adopt the following resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program provides State of Connecticut tax credits to businesses who contribute to community programs benefiting low income or handicapped individuals in such areas as: job training, job education, community services, and energy conservation, and;
WHEREAS, thirteen proposals have been received from area agencies, listed on the 2009 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Proposal Summaries sheet (see below), and have requested to be included in the 2009 State of Connecticut tax credit program through the Town of East Hartford, and;
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing to present these applications was held as required by the State of Connecticut on May 12, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: That Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to forward these applications to the State of Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for their review and inclusion into the 2009 Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Town of East Hartford
2009 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program
Proposal Summaries (13 total)
Organization Program Title
Connecticut Training Center First Step Program
Lighting Retrofit for CTC
East Hartford Chamber of Commerce Community Jobs Program
Energy Conservation Project
East Hartford Homes Now, Inc. Learning Communities Project
Goodwin College Job Connection
Redesign Campus for Energy Efficiency
Goodwin College Foundation, Inc. Retrofit Building for Energy Efficiency
Support for Low Income Students
Integrated Health Services, Inc. Client Health Services
St. Isaac Jogue’s Church Energy Conservation Upgrade Project
St. Mary’s Church Energy Conservation Project
St. Rose School Energy Conservation Upgrade
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Public Law 111-5, established an “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG)” which included direct entitlement assistance to the Town of East Hartford; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford wishes to make application to the EECBG to fund such eligible projects as the development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, utilize the services of technical consultants, and retrofit buildings and facilities so as to make them more energy efficient; and
WHEREAS, the total of this application shall be $216,100.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding these items under the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant” program.
AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorize the submission of this grant application to the United States Department of Energy 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 the United States Department of Energy.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Amendment to the 34th Program Year Community Development Block Grant Action Plan
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Town of East Hartford is entitled to funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and Title I of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, totaling $172,507; and
WHEREAS, receipt of this entitlement grant is contingent upon the submission of a Substantial Amendment to the Thirty-fourth Program Year Action Plan, and Certifications of Compliance; and
WHEREAS, citizen input was obtained, in accordance with the Notice of Program Requirements for Community Block Grant Program Funding Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, at a Public Hearing held on May 19, 2009.
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 Substantial Amendment to 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 Substantial Amendment to 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 8/0. (Kehoe out of Chamber)
NEW BUSINESS
Recommendation from Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee:
Transfer of Title of 590 Burnside Avenue (a/k/a 582 Burnside Avenue/the former East
Hartford Housing Authority property known as Daley Court) to the East Hartford
Redevelopment Agency.
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the transfer of title of 590 Burnside Avenue, a/k/a 582 Burnside
Avenue, the former East Hartford Housing Authority property known as
Daley Court to the East Hartford Redevelopment Agency.
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Eric Thompson
to postpone action until the next Town Council meeting of June 16, 2009.
Motion carried 9/0.
Chair Kehoe noted that the above postponement would also apply to item 9.A.2. on the agenda which is: “Approval of sale of 590 Burnside Avenue to New Samaritan Corporation (or a new 501(c) (3) not-for profit corporation to be created by New Samaritan Corporation with respect to this project), pursuant to C. G. S. Section 8-137, for the sum of $50,000.00.”
LoCIP Grant Application/Reprogramming of Funds: Town Hall Window Project
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to authorize the Town of East Hartford to make application for $85,000 in
funding through the State of Connecticut Local Capital Improvement
Program (LoCIP) to continue with the energy efficient window project at
the East Hartford Town Hall.
Motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $2,800.78
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-50739 |
ALLEN JEANNE J |
924HGK |
$ (47.51) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-51525 |
ARMOGIDA BRUCE J |
JJ3026 |
$ (17.88) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-53375 |
BIFULCO ROBERT JR |
981RVO |
$ (10.04) |
|
|
|
|
2007-01-1790 |
BROWN JACQUELINE & GARFIELD |
33 GOODWIN PL |
$ (120.71) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-56867 |
CHAPPELL THOMAS FELISA |
530EUL |
$ (23.77) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-59085 |
CUMMISKEY JOHN E JR |
7C2443 |
$ (10.64) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-59132 |
CURTIN THOMAS E |
9CT436 |
$ (57.01) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-60015 |
DEL RIO JOHANNA |
413UKB |
$ (69.99) |
|
|
|
|
2007-01-10206 |
FIRST AMERICAN TAX SERVICE LLC |
31 HIGH ST UNIT #8206 |
$ (1,622.77) |
|
|
|
|
2002-04-84362 |
J & G FLOORTECH LLC |
35242A |
$ (340.49) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-71667 |
LEDOUX NORMAND A |
378CZX |
$ (45.38) |
|
|
|
|
2006-03-76339 |
MOSEBACH APRIL E |
584RTV |
$ (114.94) |
|
|
|
|
2006-03-78873 |
PARKER JAY M |
770KYM |
$ (152.01) |
|
|
|
|
2004-03-88223 |
TICKLE BOBBY D |
5CK638 |
$ (54.70) |
|
|
|
|
2005-03-88105 |
TICKLE BOBBY D |
5CK638 |
$ (65.44) |
|
|
|
|
2007-03-87701 |
TICKLE BOBBY D |
5CK638 |
$ (47.50) |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
|
|
$ (2,800.78) |
|
|
|
|
Suspense List for Grand List Year 2005 – Personal Property, Motor Vehicle, Real Estate
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to transfer the uncollectible uncollected property taxes and motor vehicle taxes
from the 2005 and prior Grand Lists for a total amount of $220,207.86 to the
suspense rate book with the exception of matching names on the 2006 and 2007
tax list; the breakdown is as follows:
Personal Property $ 15,982.11
Motor Vehicle $178,071.31
Mobile Homes $ 20,001.02
63 Bantle Road (Country Way Development) $ 6,153.42
Motion carried 9/0.
Properties Recommended for Tax Lien Sales
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the sale of tax liens as listed on the delinquent report attached to a
memorandum dated June 2, 2009 from Finance Director Michael Walsh to
Mayor Melody Currey which lists and numerates seventeen properties, along with
the amount of the tax lien for each property and the high bid for each property,
resulting from the request for proposal relevant to the tax lien sale and to accept
the high bid for each of the seventeen properties which collectively totals
$383,551.27.
Motion carried 9/0.
Parks & Recreation Department: Bid Waiver re: Sybertech
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
that pursuant to Section 10-7(c) of the East Hartford Code of Ordinances
the Town Council approve the Parks and Recreation Department’s
request for a bid waiver to purchase fifty 36” Sybertech planters
in an amount not to exceed $16,000.00.
Motion carried 6/3. Nays: Pitkin, Harmon, Thompson
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Bill Horan
to amend the agenda as follows:
add, under New Business, Item 9. K “Set a Public Hearing Date of June 16, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. re: Transfer of Title of 590 Burnside Avenue (a/k/a 582 Burnside Avenue, the former East Hartford Housing Authority property known as Daley Court) to the East Hartford Redevelopment Agency.”
Motion carried 9/0.
Electronic Waste Recycling Change re: Town Ordinance Section 16-13
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
that, in accordance with Section 16-13 of the East Hartford Code of
Ordinances, the Town Council approve the proposed Public Works Department
rule in which electronic waste (or e-waste) is collected, separated, handled and
transported in the Town of East Hartford consistent with the document
signed and approved by Mayor Melody A. Currey dated June 2, 2009.
Motion carried 9/0.
Rules Concerning Electronic Waste
Pursuant to the authority granted in Section 16-13 of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances, the following rules shall govern the separation, collection, transportation and disposal of Electronic Waste:
1. For purposes of these rules, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) "Electronic Waste" ("e-waste") shall mean televisions, computers, monitors, printers, VCRs, DVD players, keyboards, cell phones, MP3 players, gaming systems, etc., and all other similar devices including those devices defined as Covered Electronic Devices in Connecticut General Statutes 22a-629.
(b) "Solid Waste" shall have the meaning given to it in Section 16-2 (p) of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances.
2. The following rules shall govern the separation, collection, transportation and disposal of e-waste:
(a) Residents shall separate e-waste from the rest of the Solid Waste stream.
(b) Residents may not place e-waste in Town supplied household Solid Waste containers.
(c) Residents may not place e-waste at curbside. E-waste will no longer be collected from holders of bulky waste permits.
(d) E-waste must be brought to the transfer station and placed in covered containers, as directed by Town Staff.
(e) There will be no fee for the disposal of e-waste at the Transfer Station.
Referral to Ordinance Committee re: Section 10-8(d) Purchasing Procedures
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the administration’s proposal to amend Section 10-8(d) of the Town of East Hartford Code of Ordinances regarding the purchasing procedures utilized by the town by permitting the town to utilize a Reverse Auction Program to augment existing purchasing procedures, with instructions to review the proposal and to report back to the Town Council with its recommendation, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:
American Heart Association: Top Walker Appreciation Concert
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application “American Heart
Association Top Walker Appreciation Concert” as submitted by Michelle
Nicholson of the American Heart Association to conduct a concert in
appreciation of the Associations’ Top Fundraising “walker” to be held at the
Amphitheater in Great River Park, East Hartford on Friday, June 26, 2009
from approximately 5PM to 8PM with music from 6PM to 7:45PM,
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 9/0.
Replica Tall Ship Viewing
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application “Replica Tall Ship
Viewing” as submitted by Bryant Harrell, Vice President of Physical
Facilities & Information Technology, Goodwin College, to conduct a two-
day, open to the public viewing and boarding of the tall ship, Half Moon, at
the “tall water dock” on the Connecticut River located at 133 Riverside Drive on
Saturday July 11, 2009 and Sunday, July 12, 2009 from 8AM to 4PM on both days with
music being provided both days from 4PM to 9PM, 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 9/0.
Referral to Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee re: Revised Job Description for Supervisor of Recreation - Aquatics
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to refer to the Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee the revised job
description for Supervisor of Recreation – Aquatics.
Motion carried 9/0.
Set a Public Hearing Date of June 16, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. re: Transfer of Title of 590 Burnside Avenue (a/k/a 582 Burnside Avenue, the former East Hartford Housing Authority property known as Daley Court) to the East Hartford Redevelopment Agency
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to set a public hearing date of June 16, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. to be held in
Town Council Chambers to permit the public to comment on the
recommendation of the Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee
to transfer title of 590 Burnside Avenue, the property formerly known as
Daley Court, to the East Hartford Redevelopment Agency.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Don Pitkin inquired on the ownership of the property that will be the site of the new Firehouse #5. Also, Mr. Pitkin asked if the Elks Club is current on their property taxes.
Eric Thompson asked (1) about the status of litigation regarding a sexually oriented business, and (2) if the town’s ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses is being complied with.
Bill Horan thanked Channel 5 for staying later than usual to televise tonight’s meeting.
Rich Kehoe announced that the Special Olympic Torch Run will be passing through East Hartford this Thursday, June 4th.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
None
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (10:39 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on June 16, 2009.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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