EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL
TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
JANUARY 5, 2010
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, Eric Thompson and Susan P. Skowronek
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:48 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.
The Chair called for a moment of silence to honor the passing of two men who gave of themselves by serving the town of East Hartford through, among several other venues, their commitment to veterans’ affairs – Albert Doak and Arden Passaro, Sr. They will be duly missed.
RECOGNITIONS AND AWARDS
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Mayor Currey, along with Dan Dube, the town’s Emergency Management Coordinator, presented the Certificates of Recognition to those members of CERT who were present, but read all the names of the Team members who completed the Fall 2009 training:
Peter Beley Brigitte Berner Michael Brinius Victoria Brinius
Kathleen Charon Deidrie Gibbs William Kirschner Larss Ogren
Sonia Ogren Mervene Reid-Gibbs Angela Robinson Elizabeth Rosa
John Ryan
Mr. Dube invited the Councillors to attend the next training session for CERT which will start on February 4th and extend for eight consecutive weeks.
Health Net’s Senior Stars Talent Contest: Mr. Ernie Recato
Mayor Currey read the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, Ernie Recato has been entertaining members of our senior community at the North and South End Senior Centers; and
WHEREAS, he participated in the Senior Stars talent contest with many talented seniors from over forty centers throughout the state; and
WHEREAS, Ernie won at the local level allowing him to move on to the Regional Contest, consisting of YouTube on line voting; and
WHEREAS, as one of the top ten vote getters, he was invited to perform live at the Hamden Senior Center on December 16, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Ernie gave a magnificent performance winning the first place trophy, had an opportunity to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at a Rock Cats game and submission of his video to “America’s Got Talent”.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melody A. Currey, Mayor of the Town of East Hartford, do hereby join with members of the Town Council to congratulate
ERNIE RECATO
and further we ask that all members of the community join with us in honoring Ernie.
The Town Council joined with Mayor Currey in congratulating Mr. Recato for winning this talent contest. Mr. Recato thanked the Mayor and the Council and wished all a happy new year.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Currey (1) stated that the rumor that PetSmart has closed is not true. It is up and running despite some exterior damage due to a minor accident; (2) shared with the Council an article that appeared in the AAA Magazine which featured Margaritas Restaurant located on Roberts Street; (3) also shared an article from the Hartford Business Journal which highlighted Event Resources, Inc. located on Park Avenue; and (4) wished the Council a Happy New Year.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 15, 2009 Regular Meeting
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2009 Regular Meeting.
Motion carried 8/0. Abstain: Thompson
RESOLUTIONS
U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Application
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) was created by Congress pursuant to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to provide financial assistance to both rural and urban distressed communities. EDA's mission is to lead the Federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy; and
WHEREAS, the East Hartford Development Department wishes to make application to this Program to support the reconstruction of Riverside Drive from Willow Street to Ensign Street; and
WHEREAS, the total of this application shall not exceed $1,500,000.00.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council of the Town of East Hartford recognizes the need for funding these items under the EDA.
AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Council does support and authorize the submission of this grant application to the EDA 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 Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS
Responses to Questions from Councillors at the December 15, 2009 Meeting
The Chair summarized the answers that the Mayor provided to the Councillors from the
December 2009 meeting. A detailed document is available and can be obtained by contacting the Council Clerk.
NEW BUSINESS
Referral to the Fees Committee:
“Circle of Life: Arts for All”
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Marc Weinberg
to refer to the Fees Committee the matter of the lease renewal
and fee for “Circle of Life Arts for All, Inc.” located at 50 Chapman
Place in the East Hartford Cultural Community Center with instructions to
report back to the Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
Permitting Fee for Building Department/Fire Marshal’s Office
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Don Pitkin
to refer to the Fees Committee the matter of permitting fee for the
Building Department and the Fire Marshal’s Office with instructions to
report back to the Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
Referral to the Budget Committee re: Leaf Collection
MOTION By Barbara Rossi
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refer budgetary discussions regarding East Hartford’s annual leaf
collection to the Budget Committee with instructions to report back to the
Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
Motion carried 9/0.
Refund of Taxes
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Eric Thompson
to refund taxes in the amount of $12,601.43
pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Motion carried 9/0.
Name |
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info. |
Int. |
Over Paid |
|
|
|
|
BLOOM KEVIN J OR DAWN |
25 WESTVIEW DR |
|
($92.76) |
BRENNAN STEPHEN W |
251SAF |
|
($9.00) |
BRENNAN STEPHEN W AND |
18 WINDING LA |
|
($888.33) |
BRENNAN CLAUDETTE A |
|
|
|
CHAPADOS TIMOTHY W |
275UFU |
|
($22.89) |
COLON AMILCAR E OR |
AECNC |
|
($202.12) |
COLON NOEMI |
|
|
|
DASILVA PEDRO M OR |
929KHJ |
|
($8.50) |
HUTCHINS APRIL |
|
|
|
DEMARTINEZ SOFIA |
122WKS |
|
($9.19) |
DOUGLAS DENISE M |
17 PROSPECT ST |
|
($1,368.36) |
DROST DAVID W |
139WSH |
|
($42.69) |
DUNLEARY RONALD J |
714TXJ |
|
($7.85) |
EDWARDS BILLIE |
7 MONTAUK RD |
|
($95.02) |
EDWARDS RODNEY D |
807TRH |
|
($5.00) |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2HGFG12698H530022 |
|
($82.09) |
HONDA LEASE TRUST |
2HGFG12698H530022 |
|
($371.50) |
MANSON MANUEL A |
350 PARK AVE REAR |
|
($1,078.94) |
MATUSIK EDWARD OR |
100 COLBY DR |
|
($1,289.06) |
MATUSIK BOZENA |
|
|
|
MCDOUGALD KELLY |
24 COLBY DR |
|
($1,711.17) |
MCINTOSH JOSEPH P OR |
368XAV |
|
($11.84) |
MCINTOSH CHARLOTTE K |
|
|
|
MILLER RONALD E & CHRISTINE M |
119-121 SKYLINE DR |
|
($29.15) |
MOON ROMONA A |
324TTE |
($6.02) |
($200.71) |
MOON ROMONA A |
324TTE |
($26.86) |
($358.12) |
NISSAN INFINITI LT |
743UYK |
|
($28.48) |
ATTN: TAX OPERATIONS |
|
|
|
PALLA DAVE M |
846196 |
|
($26.22) |
PARRA ALBERTO OR |
85 JANET DR |
|
($75.07) |
PARRA MARIA J |
|
|
|
RIVERA CESAR JR & RACHEL |
49 HILLS ST |
|
($597.79) |
KROLAK JAN |
393 FORBES ST |
|
($1,435.58) |
SHAHULHAMID JALALUDEEN |
606WHB |
|
($31.64) |
SHERIDAN KATHLEEN MARY |
52 HANMER ST |
|
($22.13) |
SPRINGWICH CELLULAR TOWER HOLDINGS |
UNIQUE ID # PPS04730 |
|
($133.02) |
ATTN: PROPERTY TAX DEPT. |
|
|
|
STYRAN HELEN & STANLEY |
43 KENYON PL |
|
($1,080.67) |
TOZIER VIRGINIA C |
50 SCOTLAND RD U3A |
|
($57.62) |
TOZIER VIRGINIA C |
50 SCOTLAND RD U3A |
|
($56.42) |
PETTY KATIE |
41 FULLER AVE |
|
($207.18) |
VELEZ LUZ C |
113 SILVER LA |
|
($17.67) |
WHITFORD L E CO |
39533C |
|
($54.37) |
WILLIAMS SHARI L |
31 HIGH ST U #7208 |
|
($860.40) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
($32.88) |
($12,568.55) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($12,601.43) |
Stimulus Funds (ARRA) to Board of Education: 2009-2010 Budget Reduction
MOTION By Linda Russo
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION REDUCING THE TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD’S BOARD OF EDUCATION FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 BUDGET APPROPRIATION
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut, as part of its budget balancing process for the 2009-2010 fiscal year, has allocated $5,950,673 of funding received as part of the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 directly to the East Hartford Board of Education; and
WHEREAS, Legislation provided in Section 19 of Public Act 09-1 provides the mechanism to allow the Town of East Hartford to reduce its expected revenue from the State by up to the same amount of the funding that will be directly provided to the East Hartford Board of Education by either the State or Federal Government; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to reduce the $79,000,000 Board of Education appropriation by $5,950,673 thereby reducing the Board’s 2009-2010 fiscal year appropriation to $73,049,327.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this reduction in appropriation of funds as listed below.
G0990-42508 ECS Grant $5,950,673
G9990-69999 Board of Education $5,950,673
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Board of Education: 2009-2010 Supplemental Budget Appropriation
MOTION By Bill Horan
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to adopt the following resolution:
RESOLUTION INCREASING THE TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD’S BOARD OF EDUCATION FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010 BUDGET APPROPRIATION TO MEET THE STATE’S DEFINITION OF MINIMUM BUDGET REQUIREMENT
WHEREAS, the State of Connecticut Department of Education currently requires all municipalities to adhere to a Minimum Budget Requirement whereby the Town must appropriate for educational purposes, an amount no less then the prior year educational appropriation plus any increase in the Educational Cost Sharing Grant; and
WHEREAS, for the fiscal year 2009-2010, the Town of East Hartford, due to a severe economic downturn in the economy, approved a budget for the East Hartford Board of Education in the amount of $79,000,000, or a reduction from the prior year of $3,498,910; with an expectation of Legislative relief with respect to the Minimum Budget Requirement; and
WHEREAS, failure to meet the Minimum Budget Requirement could expose the Town to penalties equaling twice the amount of the educational shortfall.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the East Hartford Town Council does hereby approve this supplemental appropriation of funds as listed below.
G9990-69999 Board of Education $3,498,910
G0320-55900 Fund Balance Appropriation $3,498,910
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.
Various Appointments to Board and Commissions
MOTION By Marc Weinberg
seconded by Marcia Leclerc
to approve the following appointments:
BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
Elizabeth Russell 118 Oak Street 12/12
COMMISSION ON SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Marie Beaulier 41 Applegate Lane, #203 12/11
Ana Gould 32 Rustic Lane 12/11
Frances Ingallinera 210 Colby Drive 12/11
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Debra Arrieta 6 Sunset Ridge Drive 12/12
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Catherine Condio 19 Blinn Street 12/11
BOARD OF ETHICS
Christian Moore 50 Footpath Lane 12/14
FINE ARTS COMMISSION
Hilde Mayranen 19 College Drive 12/14
Dan Lyman Russell 8 Oak Street 12/14
Karen Howe 100 Ridgewood Road 12/14
INLAND-WETLANDS/ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
Dusty McMahan 235 East River Drive #504 12/13
LIBRARY COMMISSION
Debra Arrieta 6 Sunset Ridge Drive 12/12
Gloria Visgilio-Lupi 106 Sherwood Drive 12/12
Anthony Foran 120 King Street 12/11
Lisa McMahon 122 Leverich Drive 12/12
PENSION AND RETIREE BENEFIT BOARD
Frank Vignati, Jr. 87 Kingston Drive 12/13
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (ALTERNATE)
Mary Whaples 572 Forest Street 12/14
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (ALTERNATE)
Sarfraz Nistar 15 Christine Drive 12/13
OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION
Don Pitkin inquired as to what type of wildflowers will be planted at the tree stump at the corner of Linwood Street and Forbes Street.
Susan Skowronek (1) stated that there is still a speeding problem in the Andover Drive and Syracuse Drive area; (2) reminded the viewing audience that homeowners are required to shovel their sidewalks after a snow storm.
Marcia Leclerc said that the town’s website did not have the dates for when Public Works will pick up Christmas trees.
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
LMA/U.S.A. 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 LMA/U.S.A., LLC, et al v. Town of East
Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market
value of the property located at 1A-31 Main Street, owned by Bidwell
Associates, LLC and LMA/U.S.A., LLC as ground lessee, to the sum of
$12,150,000.00, subject to rounding, beginning with the Grand List of
October 1, 2008; and to the sum of $13,000,000.00, subject to rounding,
beginning with the Grand List of October 1, 2009; 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 9/0.
Storage Equities Partnership IV Roberts 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 Storage Equities Partnership IV Roberts
v.Town of East Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the
fair market value of the property located at 188 and 202 Roberts Street,
owned by Storage Equities Partnership IV Roberts, to the sum of
$5,300,000.00, 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 9/0.
Christopher Forbes, Trustee – Wallins I Trust 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 Christopher Forbes, Trustee of the Wallins I
Trust v. Town of East Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to
reduce the fair market value of the property located at 870 Burnside
Avenue, owned by Christopher Forbes, Trustee of the Wallins I Trust, to
the sum of $1,250,000.00, 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 9/0.
Ricky Frink vs. Town of East Hartford
MOTION By Marcia Leclerc
seconded by Barbara Rossi
to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to fully and finally
settle the case entitled Ricky Frink v. Town of East Hartford, for the total
sum of $28,500.00
Motion carried 9/0.
OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK
Bill Horan (1) announced that Bill DiBella has been re-elected, as Chair, to the Metropolitan District Commission, and (2) reminded all that East Hartford Little League registrations will be starting soon.
Barbara Rossi wished Councillor Weinberg a happy belated birthday, whose birthday was January 4th.
Marc Weinberg announced that Barbara Rossi’s birthday is January 10th.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION By Don Pitkin
seconded by Bill Horan
to adjourn (9:00 p.m.).
Motion carried 9/0.
The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on January 19, 2010.
Attest________________________________
Angela M. Attenello
TOWN COUNCIL CLERK
| 
