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02-02-10 Regular Town Council Meeting
EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

FEBRUARY 2, 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 7:40 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 following motion was made:

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to take the following agenda items out of order:
7. B. United Way Campaign Presentation
9. C. Dur-A-Flex 5K Fun Run
Motion carried 9/0.


COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

United Way Campaign Presentation

Ed Chaves, a 911 Dispatcher at the Public Safety Complex, and Stacy Krechko, secretary at Youth Services, reported that the campaign for 2009 was very successful, bringing in a total of $4,233.01.  Both Mr. Chaves and Ms. Krechko thanked the co-workers in their respective departments who assisted them in the “penny wars” and commended all town employees for their generosity considering the economic times.  Mayor Currey presented Mr. Chaves with a plaque recognizing the Public Safety Complex’s win of the “penny wars” for the 2009 United Way Campaign.


NEW BUSINESS

Outdoor Amusement Permit Application:

Dur-A-Flex 5K Fun Run

Approval of Application

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit submitted by Samet Dy
of Dur-A-Flex, Inc. to hold a 5K road race beginning and ending at
95 Goodwin Street to take place on Saturday, May 1, 2010 from
approximately 10AM to 12PM (the set-up to begin at approximately
7AM) with music provided from 9AM to 12PM; subject to 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.

Waiver of Fee

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to waive the associated permitting fee for the outdoor amusement
permit application of the Dur-A-Flex 5K Fun Run.
Motion carried 9/0.


At this point, the Council returned to the order of the agenda.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Currey brought forward Steven Bielenda, Human Resources Director, who has accepted a position for the Town of Enfield.  Mr. Bielenda stated that he has enjoyed working with the Council over his term of employment and thanked the Council for a good working relationship. He formally presented the Mayor with the keys to his office.  
The Council, along with the Mayor, thanked him for his service to the town and wished him well in his new position.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

January 19, 2010 Regular Meeting  

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Eric Thompson
                        to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2010 Regular Meeting.
                        Motion carried 9/0.


COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS (Cont’d)

Responses to Councillors’ Questions

Chair Kehoe summarized the answers that the Mayor provided to the Councillors from the
January 19, 2010 meeting.   A detailed document can be obtained by contacting the
Council Clerk.          


Complete Count Committee Presentation: 2010 Census

Jeanne Webb, Director of Development, and Ana Gould, Co-chair of the Complete Count
Committee, addressed the Council on the importance of being counted in the upcoming
census.  Ms. Gould gave a brief presentation to the listening audience in Spanish.  Also in
the Chambers were James G. Palma, Jr. and Russel Hicks, representatives from the U.S.
Census Bureau.  Mr. Hicks gave an overview of the process implemented for counting all
individuals and the importance of the accuracy of this task, which will start on or about
March 15, 2010.  If citizens have questions regarding the census, they can contact the
Development Department at 860-291-7303.
 

Presentation: Public Works Department re: Leaf Collection

Billy Taylor, Director of Public Works, and Mike Walsh, Finance Director, provided the Council with a summary over the past four years of overtime and seasonal employee costs for the curbside leaf collection presently in place.  Mr. Taylor explained that the leaf collection program consists of vacuuming the leaves at the curb and the collection of bagged leaves placed at curbside.  Mr. Taylor also stated that the leaf collection program in 2009 was modified to be more cost effective.  Those modifications were the elimination of the second vacuum sweep, eliminating the use of seasonal employees, and reducing Sunday overtime costs.  This saved the town approximately $42,000.00 as compared to the cost of leaf collection in 2008.


NEW BUSINESS (Cont’d)

Various Appointments to Boards and Commissions

MOTION  By Susan Skowronek
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to approve the following appointments:

COMMISSION ON AGING
R    C. Edwin Carlson   59 Brentmoor Road               Term:  12/12
R    Debra Gaudette     22 Higbie Drive         Term:  12/12
R    Priscilla M. Lancaster             151 Oxford Drive                Term:  12/12
        
BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION
R   Mary Mourey                                 785 Burnham Street              Term:  12/12

BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
R   Valentine P. Povinelli, Jr. 29 Pendleton Drive              Term:  12/14

COMMISSION ON SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
R   Bernard Corona      27 Winding Lane         Term:  12/11
R   Bruce Gaudette      22 Higbie Drive         Term:  12/11

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
R   Patricia Harmon     49 Roxbury Road         Term:  12/11

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
R   Michael Brinius     60 Rentschler Street            Term:  12/11

BOARD OF ETHICS
R   Eileen A. Powers                    174 Britt Road                  Term:  12/12

FINE ARTS COMMISSION
R   John Ryan                                   172 Burke Street                Term:  12/14


INLAND-WETLANDS/ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
R   John Morrison       47 Woodbridge Avenue            Term:  12/13
     (Moved from alternate to regular member)
R   Peter Gero                                   132 Sandra Drive               Term:  12/10
(ALTERNATE)
R   Michael R. Brinius  60 Rentschler Street            Term:  12/10


LIBRARY COMMISSION      
R   Florence R. Schroeter       55 Olmsted Street               Term:  12/12

PATRIOTIC COMMISSION (One Year Appointments)
DAV     Bernard Corona          27 Winding Lane
ROTARY CLUB     Charles H. Clarke               197 Langford Lane
VETERANS AFFAIRS COMMISSION   Paul Barry                        23 Candlewood Drive     

PENSION AND RETIREE BENEFIT BOARD
R  Eileen Powers                                174 Britt Road                  Term:  12/13

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
(ALTERNATE)
R  Travis Simpson                        119 Naubuc Avenue              Term:  12/14

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
R  Dominic Fulco III    35 Bancroft Road                Term:  12/14

Motion carried 9/0.


Refund of Taxes

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to refund taxes in the amount of $16,086.77   
                pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
                Motion carried 9/0.


Bill
Name
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info.
Int
 Over Paid
2008-03-0053436
BJORKMAN MATTHEW C
923SFB
$        -   
 $     (200.16)
2001-01-0003947
DIWINSKY GORDON &
30 HILLSIDE ST UNIT A-6
$        -   
 $     (399.85)
TURGEON STEVEN
2008-03-0061418
EATON JAMES R
400PUV
$        -   
 $       (47.26)
2008-03-0061860
EUGENE MARGO
920UBC
$        -   
 $       (38.23)
1997-01-0005477
GALEOTA MARK F
89 LAWRENCE ST
$        -   
 $     (780.32)
1998-01-0012743
GOMEZ LESLIE
19 PORTERBROOK AVE
$        -   
 $  (1,322.27)
2001-01-0005928
GONZALEZ MARGARITA
15 WILDFLOWER RD
$        -   
 $     (895.62)
2007-01-0011712
HERMA MAGGIE
31 HIGH ST UNIT #11307
$        -   
 $  (1,422.14)
2008-03-0066945
HICKEY CHRISTOPHER J OR
388UXP
$        -   
 $       (29.62)
HICKEY GEORGIA F
2008-01-0012997
HOMEQ SERVICING
88 ELLINGTON RD
$        -   
 $     (324.68)
ATTN: MIKE FIORELLA
2007-03-0069017
JOHNSON ERIC
201WBE
$  (6.95)
$     (115.91)
2007-04-0085049
LINTON NORMAN A
226WTG
$  (6.65)
$     (221.75)
2008-01-0008349
LOAN CARE SERVICING
50 DRIVER RD
$        -   
 $  (2,195.68)
C/O FIRST AMERICAN
ATTN: REFUNDS UNIT DFW 1-3
2008-01-0012679
LOPEZ JAVIER
119 RISLEY ST
$        -   
 $     (269.14)
2008-03-0079919
POPIELARSKI RONALD A
JW5901
$        -   
 $       (39.91)
2008-03-0080437
QUIRICI LAUREN E
24CR57
$        -   
 $       (85.35)
2008-03-0082683
ROSARIO HECTOR LUIS
565PVK
$        -   
 $     (109.01)
2008-03-0082688
ROSARIO HECTOR LUIS
342WSY
$        -   
 $     (161.71)
2007-03-0083723
SAAB LEASING CO
YS3FB49S951004798
$        -   
 $     (242.92)
2008-03-0083545
SANTANA LUIS A
986PAH
$        -   
 $       (17.23)
2005-03-0087181
SULLIVAN DORATHEA L
GRAMYS
$        -   
 $       (96.40)
2006-03-0086909
SULLIVAN DORATHEA L
GRAMYS
$        -   
 $       (74.77)
2007-03-0086757
SULLIVAN DORATHEA L
GRAMYS
$        -   
 $       (58.91)
2008-01-0014521
TOMLIN DIANE C
176 BREWER ST
$        -   
 $  (2,688.15)
2008-01-0014123
WELLS FARGO HOME MORT
51 LEGION DR
$        -   
 $  (1,912.71)
MAC X2302-04D
2008-01-0006194
WILLIS TIMOTHY A & PAMELA A
144 SANDRA DR
$        -   
 $  (2,323.47)
SUBTOTAL
$ (13.60)
$(16,073.17)
TOTAL
$(16,086.77)


Outdoor Amusement Permit Applications:

23rd Annual Memorial Mile

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application submitted by the
East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department and the East Hartford
Board of Education Physical Education Department to conduct the 23rd
Annual Memorial Mile Road Race on Monday May 31, 2010, from
approximately 10:20AM to completion, starting at the intersection
Burnside Avenue and Scotland Road and finishing on Hillside Street
across from Hillside Cemetery, the race location will ultimately be
determined by the parade route; 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.


14th Annual Sounds of Summer Concert Series

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application submitted by the
East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department to conduct regularly
scheduled outdoor concerts on the Town Green, Main Street, from 6:30PM
to 8:30 PM on the following Thursdays in 2010:

June 24th; July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th; August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.
(August 5th concert held in Martin Park); 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.

26th Annual Riverfest 5K Road Race

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
to approve the outdoor amusement permit application to
hold a 5K run beginning and ending at 1235 Forbes Street
(Goodwin School) in East Hartford on Saturday, July 10, 2010
from 6AM and 11AM, subject to 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.    


15th Annual Podunk Bluegrass Music Festival

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application submitted by the
                East Hartford Parks and Recreation Department for the purpose of
holding a bluegrass music festival to be held at Martin Park, 307 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford on the following days and times in 2010:

  • Wednesday, August 4th   1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 5th    5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Friday, August 6th              9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
  • Saturday, August 7th    9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
  • Sunday, August 8th              9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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.


At this point in the meeting, the following Councillors received points of personal privilege:

Minority Leader Pitkin acknowledged the 16th wedding anniversary of Councillor Eric Thompson.  Additionally, Councillor Pitkin announced the birth of his 14th grandchild.

Councillor Linda Russo announced an upcoming charitable event entitled the Fur Ball, which will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2010.  The proceeds from this event will benefit the Protectors of Animals, which maintains a facility on Maple Street in East Hartford.

Vice Chair Horan stated that East Hartford Little League registrations have started at the East Hartford Middle School. One can also register on-line at EHLL.org.

Majority Leader Marcia Leclerc reminded all that Girl Scout cookie season has started.



COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS

Jamm, LLC vs. Town of East Hartford

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s
office to settle the tax appeal case entitled Jamm, LLC v. Town
of East Hartford and to authorize the Town Assessor to
reduce the fair market value of the property located at 353 Park
Avenue, owned by Jamm, LLC, to the sum of $953,690.00,
and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market
value of the property located at 357 Park Avenue, owned by
Jamm, LLC, to the sum of $114,550.00, 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.


171-221 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC vs. Town of East Hartford

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s
office to settle the tax appeal case entitled 171-221 Park
Avenue East Hartford, LLC v. Town of East Hartford and to
authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market value
of the property located at 171-221 Park Avenue, owned by
171-221 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC, to the sum of
$1,938,530.00, 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.


249-275 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC vs. Town of East Hartford

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s
office to settle the tax appeal case entitled 249-275 Park Avenue
East Hartford, LLC v. Town of East Hartford and to authorize
the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market value of the
property located at 249 Park Avenue, owned by 249-275
Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC, to the sum of $170,830.00,
and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair market
value of the property located at 275 Park Avenue, owned by
249-275 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC, to the sum of $1,138,570.00,
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.


323-333 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC vs. Town of East Hartford

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to accept the recommendation of the Corporation Counsel’s
office to settle the tax appeal case entitled 323-333 Park Avenue East
Hartford, LLC v. Town of East Hartford and to authorize the Town
Assessor to reduce the fair market value of the property located at 323
Park Avenue, owned by 323-333 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC, to the
sum of $473,100.00, and to authorize the Town Assessor to reduce the fair
market value of the property located at 333 Park Avenue, owned by 323-
333 Park Avenue East Hartford, LLC, to the sum of $610,730.00, 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.


Helene Marchese – Property Damage Claim

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Linda Russo
                to accept the recommendation of Corporation Counsel to fully
and finally settle the property damage claim of Helene Marchese
for the total sum of $489.09.
Motion carried 9/0.


ADJOURNMENT

MOTION  By Don Pitkin
                seconded by Bill Horan
                to adjourn (9:58 p.m.).
                Motion carried 9/0.


The Chair announced the next meeting of the Town Council would be on February 16, 2010.



                                        Attest________________________________
                                                        Angela M. Attenello
                                                          TOWN COUNCIL CLERK