EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
NOVEMBER 24, 2009
PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Minority Leader Donald H. Pitkin, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Linda A. Russo, Eric Thompson and Susan P. Skowronek
ABSENT Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:35 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.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Beautification Commission – Business Fall Display: 860 Main Street
Pat Sirois, Chair of the Beautification Commission, commented on the beautiful fall arrangement that adorns the façade of Church Corners Inn at 860 Main Street. Unfortunately, the owners could not be present tonight to accept the award.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Pat Sirois announced that Holiday Fest will be held from December 4th through December 7th and that there will be thirty-eight events this year. Ms. Sirois thanked the Councillors for purchasing Holiday Fest buttons. The proceeds from the sale of the buttons will be donated to the town’s Emergency Fuel Bank.
Mayor Currey (1) urged the Council to attend Holiday Fest; (2) said that leaf collection is proceeding nicely and that December 7th is the last day that filled leaf bags will be collected by the town from curbside; (3) reported that the Community Renewal Team is now serving East Hartford again. They are located at the Larson Community Center at 81 Woodlawn Circle; (4) updated the Council on the H1N1 flu. The town has received a very limited amount of vaccine from the State of Connecticut Health Department. The CDC stated that the country is in week #46 of the flu and that it is subsiding somewhat; and (5) announced that this year, again, Business Week has ranked East Hartford #2 for raising children and families in the state of Connecticut.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 20, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the minutes of the October 20, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.
At this point, Minority Leader Pitkin took exception to the way the Chair recognizes the makers of motions from the floor. Mr. Pitkin stated that Councillors should address the Chair prior to being recognized.
November 9, 2009 Organizational Meeting (Revised)
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2009 Organizational Meeting (Revised).
Motion carried 8/0.
November 12, 2009 Special Meeting/Redevelopment Agency – Daley Court
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Susan Skowronek
to approve the minutes of the November 12, 2009 Special
Meeting/Redevelopment Agency – Daley Court.
Motion carried 8/0.
RESOLUTIONS
Local Prevention Council Grant: East of the River for Substance Abuse Elimination (ERASE)
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Linda Russo
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, is hereby authorized to execute on behalf of this municipality a grant application in an amount not to exceed $5,675 with the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to support the activities of a local alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse Prevention Council, and to file any amendments or reports as may be required to successfully complete the terms of the grant contract.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Melody A. Currey was elected Mayor. Her term of office began on November 9, 2009 and will continue until November 14, 2011. As Mayor, Melody A. Currey serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the Town of East Hartford, and is duly authorized to enter into agreements and contracts on behalf of the Town of East Hartford.
On call of the vote, motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Kehoe
East Hartford Housing Authority Environmental Review
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Housing Authority receives funding for capital projects from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Housing Authority is required to complete an Environmental Review and certification in accordance with regulations found at 24 CFR Part 58 prior to requesting a release of funds from HUD for these projects; and
WHEREAS, the form known as the “Request for Release of Funds and Certification” may only be executed by the “Certifying Officer of the Responsible Entity” which is defined as the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford does authorize Mayor Melody A. Currey to execute an “Agreement Concerning HUD Certification, Environmental Conditions and Indemnity Obligations” and make any amendments thereto to formalize this arrangement.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
Note: copy of indemnity agreement follows these minutes
Dial-A-Ride Operating Assistance Grant for Fiscal Year 2009-2010
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLVED that Mayor Melody A. Currey is authorized to make, execute and approve on behalf of this corporation, any and all contracts or amendments thereof with the Greater Hartford Transit District in relation to a $13,507.18 grant to the Town of East Hartford to be used to support costs associated with the operation of the Dial-A-Ride Program.
On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.
NEW BUSINESS
Outdoor Amusement Permit Application: Holiday Fest 2009
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application for “Holiday Fest
‘09”, December 4, 6, & 7, 2009 submitted by the East Hartford
Beautification Commission for the purpose of conducting the annual
holiday fest in East Hartford with specific locations, dates and times as
follows:
- Tree-lighting ceremony with music and singing to be held on the lawn of the Town Green, on Friday, December 4th, between the hours of 6:30PM and 7:30PM.
- Miscellaneous activities including a petting zoo, horse & buggy rides and a snowman building contest to be held on the Town Green on Sunday December 6th, between the hours of 12:00PM and 3PM.
- Tree of Lights ceremony with music to be held on the lawn of the Raymond Library on Monday, December 7th, between the hours of 6:00PM and 6:30PM.
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.
Referral to Ordinance Committee re: Proposed Stormwater Ordinances
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Don Pitkin
to refer to the Ordinance Committee the proposed stormwater ordinances as prepared by Denise Horan, Town Engineer, with instructions to review the issue and to report back to the Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 8/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $7,851.93
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 8/0.
Bill |
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
2000-01-0001350 |
BROWN RUBIN L |
75 WAKEFIELD CIR |
-729.79 |
2008-03-0056467 |
CASTRO WILLIAM |
2002/720TFV/1G4HP54K42U112010 |
-12.92 |
2008-03-0056798 |
CHAPPS JOSHUA |
1996/925UUT/WBACD3326TAV15189 |
-5.94 |
2008-03-0060315 |
DIAZ JUAN A |
1993/863WWB/JHMBB1172PC003297 |
-29.01 |
2008-03-0066968 |
HICKS MICHAEL K |
1997/789573/JS1GN78A4V2101814 |
-13.84 |
2007-01-0003585 |
HOME SELECT SETTLEMENT |
27-29 FRANCIS ST |
-1,037.81 |
2008-03-0067479 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008/663WMP/2HGFA15558H301261 |
-375.92 |
2008-03-0067492 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008/717WMB/1HGCP264X8A017720 |
-112.8 |
2008-03-0067500 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008/798WMB/2HGFA16898H305774 |
-414.88 |
2007-04-0084109 |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2008/663WMP/2HGFA15558H301261 |
-110.84 |
2008-03-0067916 |
HYUNDAI LEASE TITLING TR |
2007/983WEV/5NMSG13D77H087754 |
-150.27 |
2008-03-0071652 |
LEWIS WENDY |
2002/726WSC/1J4GL48K42W254470 |
-57 |
2008-03-0073820 |
MCCARTHY DIANE M |
1994/277NGE/2HGEJ1121RH551797 |
-40.79 |
2002-01-0010301 |
MUNESALEUM LAM AND |
147 CHESTER ST |
-1,377.12 |
|
DIANA MUNESALEUM |
|
|
2004-01-0010565 |
NGUYEN SANG |
17 RISLEY ST |
-1,400.00 |
2008-03-0076687 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2006/518UMA/5N1AR18W36C658178 |
-98.66 |
2008-03-0076695 |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
2006/577UOM/5N1AR18W36C648296 |
-32.76 |
2008-03-0080547 |
RAJAGOPALAN RANGARAJAN |
1999/761XBO/2HGEJ6613XH561418 |
-79.84 |
2008-03-0080863 |
REDDY JITENDRANATH |
2000/120SGZ/19UUA5661YA026606 |
-90.1 |
2008-03-0083191 |
SAAB LEASING CO |
2005/138TUW/YS3FB45S551052773 |
-305.94 |
2007-03-0083725 |
SAAB LEASING CO |
2005/138TUW/YS3FB45S551052773 |
-303.38 |
2007-03-0084035 |
SANCHEZ RAUL |
1996/932TNP/1FASP15J7TW174232 |
-40.63 |
2008-03-0087443 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2007/123WCJ/JTEEP21A370215656 |
-112.8 |
2008-03-0087447 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2008/185WWZ/JTHBJ46G982230829 |
-62.04 |
2008-03-0087484 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2006/814UFL/2T2HA31U06C098847 |
-271.38 |
2007-03-0088122 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2005/169TOY/JTKKT624750102706 |
-84.37 |
2007-03-0088180 |
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP |
2003/394SSS/JT8BD69S030190423 |
-160.73 |
2007-03-0088267 |
TRAN TAM LE |
1995/462WEC/JN1CA21D6ST014903 |
-34.74 |
2008-03-0087864 |
TYRRELL LANCE G |
1989/355KWG/1FAPP9190KW221132 |
-7.03 |
2008-03-0089225 |
WALSH DONALD A |
1996/154TFR/1MELM50U2TA619441 |
-12.99 |
2007-03-0089888 |
WALSH DONALD A |
1996/154TFR/1MELM50U2TA619441 |
-45.29 |
2007-03-0090165 |
WELDON LAURIE |
1996/663RSG/1P3ES47C3TD514767 |
-7.98 |
2008-01-0006194 |
WILLIS TIMOTHY A & PAMELA A |
144 SANDRA DR |
-232.34 |
TOTAL |
|
|
-7,851.93 |
Kilty Farms: Extension of Sales Authorization
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to authorize that the Town of East Hartford acquire the Kilty Farms
property consisting of +/- 9.623 acres known as 105 & 107 Ellington Road
and 132 Goodwin Street, for use as open space, for the price of $450,000
to be paid with $400,000 from State Open Space Funds and $50,000 from
town funds.
Motion carried 8/0.
2010 Town Council Meeting Dates
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the following Town Council Meetings Schedule:
January 5 July 13
January 19 August 3
February 2 August 17
February 16 September 7
March 2 September 21
March 16 October 5
April 7 (Wednesday – due to Passover) October 19
April 20 November 3 (Wednesday)
May 4 November 16
May 18 December 14
June 1
June 15
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Don Pitkin (1) inquired on the proposal of using Sterling Manor as a veterans’ residence; (2) asked for an update on the renovation of the back stairs at the Veterans’ Memorial Clubhouse; (3) asked for an update on the renovations to the Pitkin Vault; (4) suggested that the answers to the questions that the Councillors ask of the Administration be aired on Channel 5 when available; (5) would like the Administration to provide the Council with an itemized cost of the town’s Haunted House event, including expenditures and revenue; (6) stated that whoever was responsible for installing the 40’ or 50’ rough patch on King Street, just south of Burnham near the new subdivision, did a very poor job; (7) inquired on the status of the proposed regional animal shelter; (8) asked if the company that installed the
new elevator is a division of Otis Elevator; (9) complained about the difficulty merging onto Oak Street from side streets due to the amount of speeding traffic on Oak Street; and (10) reminded the Mayor about the presence of tree stumps at the corner of Linwood Street and Forbes Street.
Susan Skowronek (1) brought to the Mayor’s attention the tree overhang on Mary Street; (2) asked for an update on the cleanliness of Main Street; (3) inquired on the number of employees involved in the leaf collection process; (4) asked the Mayor when the road patch on Long Hill will be restored; and (5) stated that her pediatrician told her that once someone contracts the H1N1 flu, you cannot get it again.
Eric Thompson (1) asked what steps, in general, the town is taking to address blight issues; (2) suggested that town employees involved in the leaf collection process could alert the Administration of any blight issues that they see as they are collecting leaves; and (3) reiterated his question on what town services are being provided, and the cost of such services, to the residents of Handel Court even though Handel Court is a right-of-way and not a town-accepted street.
Marcia Leclerc asked if the town requires a bond from developers of residential subdivisions to assure the completion of work performed on town property. Additionally, Ms. Leclerc welcomed the new owners of the recently constructed homes in the Long Hill Street area to the town of East Hartford and commented on the efforts used in the upkeep of their property.
Rich Kehoe acknowledged that several questions tonight focused on leaf collection and suggested that the Town Council’s Budget Committee review the details of the leaf collection process with the Administration prior to the onset of the budget workshops.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
Commerce Center Associates, Inc. vs. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Commerce Center Association, Inc.
vs. Town of East Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to
reduce the fair market value of the property located at 341 East River
Drive, owned by Commerce Center Association, Inc., to the sum of
$2,600,000.00, subject to rounding; beginning with the Grand List of
October 1, 2008; further that neither party will be entitled to fees or costs of
any kind; further that if the plaintiff is entitled to a refund of taxes paid, the
refund will be deducted from the next installment of taxes.
Motion carried 7/0. Abstain: Russo
Turtle Creek Realty, LLC vs. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s office to settle
the tax appeal case entitled Turtle Creek Realty, LLC vs. Town of East
Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair
market value of the property located at 11 Turtle Creek Lane, owned by
Turtle Creek Realty, LLC, to the sum of $7,030,000.00, subject to
rounding; beginning with the Grand List of October 1, 2008; further that
neither party will be entitled to fees or costs of any kind; further that if the
plaintiff is entitled to a refund of taxes paid, the refund will be deducted
from the next installment of taxes.
Motion carried 8/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Mayor Currey stated the Governor informed her that, for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Governor will propose no cuts in ECS funding, but that state aid to towns would be reduced by 3%. Also, the Governor has asked Mayor Currey to be part of a Committee
consisting of six Connecticut Mayors who would serve in an advisory capacity to the
Governor to assist in cutting certain mandates that might save the municipalities money.
Barbara Rossi told the Council how much she enjoyed participating in the Adventures Build Character, a/k/a the “ABC” program, sponsored by the Youth Services Department for the sixth-graders at Sunset Ridge School.
Don Pitkin (1) thanked Linda Chamberlain, Program Coordinator for Youth Services, for her involvement in the ABC Program; (2) recently attended the Thanksgiving program held at the 1st Congregational Church and wished that other Councillors could have found the time to attend; and (3) stressed the need to adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order.
Marc Weinberg wished the Council and the viewers a Happy Thanksgiving.
Eric Thompson (1) thanked the Mayor for the letter she sent congratulating him on his reappointment to the Town Council; (2) thanked Channel 5 for the services they provide; and (3) wished the Council and the viewers a Happy Thanksgiving.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adjourn (9:05 p.m.).
Motion carried 8/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on December 15, 2009.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
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