EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JUNE 16, 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 7:52 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
The following citizens came forward to speak in favor of the $2M appropriation to the East Hartford Board of Education:
Darlene Bryant, 130 Brookfield Drive, Co-president of the East Hartford High School Parents and Teachers Organization; Tauney Kennedy, 48 Carroll Road; Alyssa Serville, 22 Cipolla Drive; Molly Callahan, 10 Lehigh Drive; Meredith Nguyen, 441 Main Street #408; Marcus Jarvis, 145 Handel Road; Lekiell McFini, 62 Ensign Street; Robert Taylor, 81 Oxford Drive; Lorelee Parent Moreau, 307 Oak Street; David Castillo, 111 Penney Drive; Benjamin Green, 402 Hills Street; Brian Futtner, 99 Holland Lane; Isabe Jarvis,
145 Handel Road; Kelly Geoghegan, 94 McKee Street; Shyam Patel, 112 Jessica Drive; Andre Santiago, 25 Warren Drive; Timothy and Erin Estremera, 70 Grande Road; Jorge Rodriguez, 46 St. James Street, Apt H, Manchester, a student at the Connecticut International Baccalaureate Academy; Louise Rivard, a resident of Ashford and property owner of 39 Cornell Circle and 15-17 Harrison Place; Diana Barriga, 28 Columbus Circle; Ana Urrutia, 104 Long Hill Drive; Nick Castro, 23 Jefferson Lane; Christina Hannon, 20 Piper Lane.
Additionally, Courtney Labossiere, 619 Brewer Street, and Andrew Secker, 159 Woodycrest Court, presented the Council with petitions from students in favor of keeping the fine arts, gifted and talented, music, and athletic programs at East Hartford High School. Those petitions are on file in the Town Council office.
Mary Alice Dwyer-Hughes, 37 Green Terrace, Chair of the East Hartford Board of Education, expressed her gratitude for the Council placing the transfer of the $2M back to the Board’s budget on tonight’s agenda. Ms. Dwyer-Hughes thanked all the students, parents and citizens who came forward in support of this issue.
Mayor Currey stated how proud she was of tonight’s turnout and thanked Chair Dwyer-Hughes for her advocacy in conjunction with the Mayor to add the $2M back to the Board’s budget. The Mayor called for a commitment from all those in the Chamber and those at home to encourage state legislators and the Governor’s office to be sure that ECS funding remains stable. Concerning the Daley Court issue which was the subject of public hearings on June 2nd and tonight, Mayor Currey emphatically responded to allegations made by a speaker at the public hearing earlier in the evening which alluded to criminal and/or unethical behavior.
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to take item 9. D. Appropriation to the East Hartford Board of Education
for Fiscal Year 2009-2010, out of order.
Motion carried 9/0.
Appropriation to the East Hartford Board of Education for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING $2 MILLION TO THE EAST HARTFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2010
WHEREAS, the Town Council adopted a 2009-2010 fiscal year budget that contains $2 million in a Contingency Account which was transferred from the Mayor’s Recommended Budget appropriation for the Board of Education because the Town Council was concerned the town could not afford to budget the Recommended Board Appropriation if the State failed to appropriate the budgeted amount of Educational Cost Sharing funds; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the Town Council is to transfer the $2 million to the Board of Education if the State provides the budgeted amount of Educational Cost Sharing funds; and
WHEREAS, the town has a stronger fund balance projection because the Board of Education is anticipating returning $1 million to the town’s Fund Balance as surplus for fiscal year 2008-2009 and the town’s budget freeze and stabilizing revenues will reduce the anticipated need for a significant Fund Balance Transfer; and
WHEREAS, if the Town Council fails to transfer the $2 million prior to the July 1, 2009 start of the new fiscal year, the Board of Education will incur more than $200,000 in unemployment compensation expenses for teachers and other staff that it may ultimately rehire should the town transfer the $2 million once the State’s budget is finalized; and
WHEREAS, after the transfer of $2 million, the Board of Education’s $79 million fiscal year 2009-2010 budget will be $3,498,910 less than the current fiscal year budget.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council, in order to avoid a needless expenditure of unemployment compensation funds, hereby transfers $2 million from the Contingency Account and does hereby approve this Appropriation of funds as listed below:
G9990-69999 Board of Education $2,000, 000
G9600-63492 Contingency Reserve $2,000,000
Funds certified as unobligated and available.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
At this point, the Town Council reverted back to the order of the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 2, 2009 Public Hearing/Transfer of 590 Burnside Avenue – Daley Court
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2009 Public Hearing/Transfer of
590 Burnside Avenue – Daley Court.
Motion carried 9/0.
June 2, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Pat Harmon
to approve the minutes of the June 2, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 9/0.
June 8, 2009 Special Joint Meeting – Executive Session: Board of Education
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2009 Special Joint Meeting –
Executive Session: Board of Education.
Motion carried 9/0.
RESOLUTIONS
Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grant
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
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 the “Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program”; and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided funding within this program to support construction of fire stations.
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Fire Department wishes to make application to this Program to support the construction of a new Fire Station 5, to be located on the corner of Brewer Street and Graham Road.
WHEREAS, the total of this application shall not exceed $4,867,198.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding these items under the A.R.R.A. Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Grant Program
AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorize 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 9/0.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 35th Program Year
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Don Pitkin
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Town of East Hartford is entitled to Thirty-fifth Program Year funding under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, totaling $650,158; and
WHEREAS, receipt of this entitlement grant is contingent upon the submission of a Thirty-fifth Program Year Action Plan, and Certifications of Compliance; and
WHEREAS, citizen input was obtained, in accordance with the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, at a Public Hearing held on November 5, 2008, and two Public Hearings held on March 16, 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 Thirty-fifth 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 Thirty-fifth 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 9/0.
TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
35th YEAR ACTION PLAN
September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010
PUBLIC SERVICES
Senior Support Services (Social Services) $19,507
Funding for the delivery of services to East Hartford’s at-home, frail elderly. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(A).
CRT - East Hartford Community Shelter $35,000
Funding to supplement the operating budget at the East Hartford Community Shelter for the homeless located at 381-385 Main Street. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(A).
Housing Education Resource Center $9,000
Funding for the provision of fair housing services including education and counseling to tenants and landlords town-wide. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(B).
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford $2,000
Funding for tutoring in basic literacy and in English language skills for low- and moderate-income East Hartford adults who need this instruction to find employment and to participate in the civic and cultural life of the town. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(A).
Inter-Community Mental Health $2,000
Funding to support the services provided to East Hartford residents who suffer from psychiatric and co-occurring addiction disorders. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(B).
Interval House $2,000
Funding for a domestic violence shelter and counseling services for low- and moderate-income East Hartford clients. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(A).
Friendship Center Soup Kitchen $9,000
Funding to supplement the operating budget of the Friendship Center Soup Kitchen. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)(D).
PROJECTS
Housing Rehabilitation $251,005
Funding for limited housing rehabilitation in one to four unit owner-occupied properties inhabited by low- and moderate-income families. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.202(a)(1), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(3).
Commercial Facade Improvement Program $159,815
Deferred loans to commercial property owners along major thoroughfares in low- to moderate-income areas to make improvements to the facades of their buildings. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.202(a)(3), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1).
Park Improvements $30,800
Funding for improvements to parks in low- to moderate-income areas. Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(c), meets HUD national objective criteria
under 24 CFR 570.208(a)(1).
ADMINISTRATION
Program Administration $130,031
Oversight, management, monitoring and coordination of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.206.
TOTAL $650,158
Youth Services Department: Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Grant
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the H.R. 1105 Omnibus Appropriations Act 2009 provides funding for an Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) grant to support states and communities in their efforts to develop and implement effective and coordinated prevention and intervention programs and has invited East Hartford to submit an application for funding; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford wishes to make application to the OJJDP to fund activities of the at-risk Youth Task Force; and
WHEREAS, the total application shall be $120,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding these activities under the OJJDP Grant.
AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that The Town Council does support and authorize the submission of this grant application to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and authorizes its Mayor, Melody A. Currey, to act as representative of the Town and to enter into contract and make amendments thereto to receive funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
East Hartford Police Department: 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has funding available to the Town of East Hartford under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through both the State of Connecticut JAG Pass thru program; and via a USDOJ local direct award; and
WHEREAS, these funds may be used to improve or enhance Law Enforcement Programs with no cash match by the Town of East Hartford; and
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Police Department desires to use these funds to procure equipment to include a license plate optical reader and scanner, criminal investigative surveillance equipment, remotely accessible camera equipment and to fund proactive overtime activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED: That Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is authorized to make application to, and execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all documents, contracts, and amendments as may be required by the U.S. Department of Justice as they pertain to this Justice Assistance Grant.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Pavement Rehabilitation of Main Street and School Street Project
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Main Street and School Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project from Broad Street to Sutton Avenue on Main Street and Burnside Avenue to Goodwin Street on School Street will include the milling and resurfacing of approximately 6,000 linear feet of roadway.
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford has published a legal notice display ad, mailed the news release to a number of officials and agencies, and mailed a formal letter to abutting property owners, announcing the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project known as Pavement Rehabilitation of Main Street and School Street Pavement State Project #42-HO45; and.
WHEREAS, the Capitol Region Council of Governments has selected this project as a regional priority and to utilize federal funds for construction activities; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council finds that the proposed Pavement Rehabilitation of Main Street and School Street Project is in the best interest of the Town of East Hartford, and will promote the health, safety and general welfare of its residents and provide for convenience and safety of the motoring public.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Town of East Hartford, based on the above information, and by virtue of this resolution, hereby fully supports the proposed project.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
OLD BUSINESS
Recommendations from Real Estate Acquisition & Disposition Committee 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 – postponed from the June 2, 2009 meeting
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
that the East Hartford Town Council, acting as a committee of the whole,
waive the appraisal requirement of Section 10-19 of the East Hartford
Code of Ordinances and 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 carried 6/3. Nays: Pitkin, Harmon, Thompson
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 - postponed from the June 2, 2009 meeting
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Barbara Rossi
that the East Hartford Town Council, approve, pursuant to C.G.S Section
8-137, the 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), for the sum of $50,000.00
provided that:
- any grantee of the Redevelopment Agency’s deed is liable for the payment of personal and real property taxes associated with the project;
- the property shall only be sold or transferred to an entity that is subject to pay all real and personal property taxes on said property; and
- if the redeveloper sells or transfers such property within ten years of the sale by East Hartford Redevelopment Agency to the redeveloper, the redeveloper shall pay the Town of East Hartford the difference between the fair market value of 590 Burnside Avenue on the date of the sale by the East Hartford Redevelopment Agency to the redeveloper minus $50,000 according to the following schedule:
- 100% of the difference if sold between initial conveyance date through year 5 after initial conveyance date;
- 80% of the difference if sold in the 6th year;
- 60% of the difference if sold in the 7th year;
- 40% of the difference if sold in the 8th year;
- 20% of the difference if sold any time after the 9th anniversary of the sale and on, or before, the 10th anniversary of the initial conveyance date.
Motion carried 6/3. Nays: Pitkin, Harmon, Thompson
Municipal Historian: Raymond Johnson – postponed from the May 19, 2009 meeting
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the appointment of Raymond Johnson of 43 Farnham Drive
as Municipal Historian; term to expire December 2012.
Motion carried 9/0.
NEW BUSINESS
Amendment to the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) re: Town Hall Signage
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve an amendment to the 5-year Capital Improvement Plan to
change the project description for reference #2010-101 as follows:
“Town Hall and East Hartford Community Cultural Center signage” and
to amend the narrative to include a reference to the Community Cultural
Center.
Motion carried 9/0.
Public Works Department Engineering Division: Bid Waivers
Roberts Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to waive the bidding requirements of Town Ordinance Section 10-7(b)
and authorize the Administration to utilize the quality-based selection
process outlined in a June 3, 2009 memorandum from Nick Casparino,
Civil Engineer, to Rich Gentile, Assistant Corporation Counsel, as the
process for hiring a consultant for construction administration and
inspection services related to the resurfacing of a portion of Roberts Street,
such waiver being in the best interest of the town as it will allow the town
to receive payment from the Federal Government for 80% of the
construction costs (including construction administration and inspection
services) associated with the Pavement Rehabilitation of Roberts Street
Program.
Motion carried 9/0.
Main Street & School Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to waive the bidding requirements of Town Ordinance Section 10-7(b)
and authorize the Administration to utilize the quality-based selection
process outlined in a May 20, 2009 memorandum from Nick Casparino,
Civil Engineer, to Rich Gentile, Assistant Corporation Counsel, as the
process for hiring a consultant for construction administration and
inspection services related to the resurfacing of portions of Main Street
and School Street, such waiver being in the best interest of the town as
it will allow the town to receive payment under the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act for 100% of the construction costs (including
construction administration and inspection services) associated with the
Pavement Rehabilitation of Main Street and School Street Program.
Motion carried 9/0.
Fiscal Year 2008-2009 Interdepartmental Budget Transfers
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the interdepartmental transfers for the fiscal year 2008-2009
consistent with the transfers listed in a memorandum from Finance
Director Michael Walsh to Mayor Melody Currey dated June 16, 2009
totaling $750,450.00 in transfers within the General Fund.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Thompson
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General Fund From |
|
|
Account Number |
Name |
Amount |
G2300-63129 |
Human Resources - Consultant |
30,000.00 |
G5204-60110 |
Police Operations - Permanent Services |
165,000.00 |
G5316-60110 |
Fire Suppression - Permanent Services |
100,000.00 |
G9200-60110 |
Nursing - Permanent Services |
75,000.00 |
G9510-66500 |
General Government Debt - Interest |
60,000.00 |
G9600-60201 |
Contingency - Reserve for Negotiations |
320,450.00 |
~ |
|
~ |
~ |
TOTAL |
$ 750,450.00 |
~ |
|
~ |
General Fund To |
|
~ |
Account Number |
Name |
Amount |
G1200-62223 |
Town Clerk - Sporting Licenses |
30,000.00 |
G2200-60110 |
Corporation Counsel - Permanent Services |
20,000.00 |
G4100-64800 |
Development - Purchase of Land |
50,000.00 |
G7300-60110 |
Public Works - Highway Services - Permanent Services |
650,000.00 |
G9885-60120 |
Hock. River Commission - Comm. Clerk |
400.00 |
G9885-63999 |
Hock. River Commission - Comm. Other |
50.00 |
~ |
|
|
~ |
TOTAL |
$ 750,450.00 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
The funds being transferred are certified as available and unobligated. |
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Properties Recommended for Tax Lien Sales:
Rescission of Motion from the June 2, 2009 Town Council Meeting
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Eric Thompson
to rescind the motion on June 2, 2009 regarding the tax lien sales. (see
motion below)
Motion carried 8/0. Rossi out of Chamber
Properties Recommended for Tax Lien Sales – from the June 2, 2009 Town Council Meeting
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.
Revised Motion for Properties Recommended for Tax Lien Sales
Approval of Additional Tax Lien Sale Properties
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to approve the sale of tax liens as listed on the report attached to a
memorandum dated June 16, 2009 from Finance Director Michael Walsh to
Mayor Melody Currey which lists and numerates fifteen 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
$248,096.13.
Motion carried 9/0.
Recommendation from Personnel and Pensions Subcommittee re: Revised Job Description for Supervisor – Aquatics
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve the revised job description for Supervisor of Recreation –
Aquatics as referenced in and attached to a memo from Steven Bielenda,
Human Resources Director to Melody Currey, Mayor dated May 29, 2009.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Don Pitkin inquired on (1) the watering of the greens at the East Hartford Golf course; and (2) who pays for the water.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Primitivo Arroyo – Workers’ Compensation case
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to accept Corporation Counsel’s recommendation to fully and
finally settle all of the outstanding workers’ compensation claims
of former Town employee, Primitivo Arroyo, for a total sum of $10,000.00
to be paid as follows: $5,000.00 from CIRMA and $5,000.00 from the
Town’s self-insured program.
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
None
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (11:04 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on July 14, 2009.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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