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05-18-10 Regular Town Council Meeting Minutes
EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

MAY 18, 2010

PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Marcia A. Leclerc, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Barbara-Ann Rossi, Linda A. Russo, Eric Thompson and Susan P. Skowronek (arrived 7:53 p.m.)


CALL TO ORDER

Chair Kehoe called the meeting to order at 7:41 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

East Hartford High School – Class of 2010: Top Twenty

Chair Kehoe read the following resolution into the minutes:

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 2010 - the 124th 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.

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

        Sarah Forte, Valedictorian                              Kelly Anne Macri, Salutatorian
Christina Quental       Sarah Ribeiro                   Kara Lynn O’Leary   Courtney Labossiere
Sydney Parent            Kimberly Goorahoo              Lorena DeLa Vega   Anamika Suneja
Danielle Sinsigalli     Melissa Koutsopoulos    Matthew Kenyon     Elizabeth Betancourt 
Louise Benjamin Kara Scherer                    Julia Eaton          Joshua Frey
Heather Risley  Manas Raval                             

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.


Youth Services: Peer Leaders (Peers are Wonderful Support)

Linda Chamberlain, Youth Services Program Coordinator, along with Cephus Nolen, Youth Services Director, joined with Mayor Currey, who presented the following proclamation to those students present:

P R O C L A M A T I O N

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

Kim Barrington – 2010 Peer Leadership Award

Shannon Russell    Nadiya Roberts-Green  Adam Willett           Kacey Megquier    
Wayne Tulley       Shakira Perez                Adriana Sowell          Denise Ursin

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 your contribution to this valuable program.

   Ms. Chamberlain called forward Shakira Perez, a peer leader at Sunset Ridge School,
    who presented the Mayor with a poster of this year’s Peer Leadership theme which is
    “DATS IT” – which stands for Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco Substance Abuse In Teens.  The
    Mayor stated that the poster will be displayed at Town Hall. Ms Perez invited all to a
    reception on June 9th which will honor all Peer Leaders for their accomplishments
    throughout the school year.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Currey announced that (1) on Saturday, East of the River Alcohol and Substance-abuse Elimination, known as ERASE, presented “Prevention Idol” at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center which is being formatted into a DVD; and (2) the building formerly known as the St. Francis building located across from town hall has been purchased and will house a dental and medical walk-in center along with a small rehabilitation area.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

May 4, 2010 Executive Session/Falvey Linen

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Susan Skowronek
                        to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2010 Executive Session/Falvey
                        Linen.
                        Motion carried 8/0.

May 4, 2010 Regular Meeting  

MOTION  By Marcia Leclerc
                        seconded by Eric Thompson
                        to approve the minutes of the May 4, 2010 Regular Meeting.
                        Motion carried 8/0.


RESOLUTIONS

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 36th Program Year Action Plan

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                        seconded by Susan Skowronek
                        to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, The Town of East Hartford is entitled to Thirty-sixth Program Year funding under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, totaling $713,341; and

WHEREAS, receipt of this entitlement grant is contingent upon the submission of a Thirty-sixth Program Year Action Plan, as attached, and Certifications of Compliance; and

WHEREAS, citizen input was obtained, in accordance with the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, at two Public Hearings held on November 4, 2009 and March 15, 2010.

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-sixth 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-sixth 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.

TOWN OF EAST HARTFORD
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
36th YEAR ACTION PLAN
September 1, 2010 - August 31, 2011

PUBLIC SERVICES

Senior Support Services (Social Services)                                        $20,000
Funding for the delivery of services to East Hartford’s elderly population. 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                                               $11,500
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 CFR570.208(a) (2) (B).

Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford                                 $5,000  
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).

Youth Services Bi-Lingual Counselor                                     $6,000
Funding to support the hiring of a part time Spanish speaking counselor to assist with the provision of
free counseling services to East Hartford families.  Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201 (e), meets
HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208 (a) (2) (B).

InterCommunity, Inc.                                                                                     $5,000
Funding to support the creation of a new free, weekly assessment and support group for East Hartford
residents who have a child in need of outpatient psychiatric care. Eligible activity under 24 CFR
570.201(e), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a) (2) (B).

Interval House                                                                  $7,000
Funding for 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).

Interfaith Ministries                                                                                         $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                                                  $322,173
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).

East Hartford Community Cultural Center Access                          $25,000
Funding for the installation of an automatic door opener to increase access for persons with disabilities.  
Eligible activity under 24 CFR 270.201 (c), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208
(a) (2) (A).

Latimer Street Fencing                                                  $25,000
Funding to erect a visual barrier between this neighborhood and the Town of East Hartford’s landfill.  
Eligible activity under 24 CFR 270.201 (c), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208
(a) (1) (i).

Martin Park Pool                                                                $100,000
Funding for improvements to Martin Park pool including but not limited to upgrading the pool decking.  
Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.201(c), meets HUD national objective criteria under 24 CFR 570.208(a)
(1).  

ADMINISTRATION

Program Administration                                                  $142,668
Oversight, management, monitoring and coordination of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
Eligible activity under 24 CFR 570.206.

                                                                TOTAL                    $713,341


Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to adopt the following resolution:

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, ten proposals have been received from area agencies, listed on the 2010 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Proposal Summaries sheet (attached), and have requested to be included in the 2010 State of Connecticut tax credit program through the Town of East Hartford, and;

WHEREAS, a Public Hearing to present these applications was held on May 4, 2010, as required by the State of Connecticut.

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 2010 Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit Program.

On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.


Town of East Hartford
2010 State of Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act Program
Proposal Summaries (10 total)

Organization                                                    Program Title

Connecticut Economic Development Fund           Small Business Counseling & Training
Institute

Connecticut Training Center, Inc.                       First Step Program
                                                        Building Upgrades for Energy Efficiency

East Hartford Chamber of Commerce                       Community Jobs Program
                                                        Energy Conservation Project

East Hartford Homes Now, Inc.                           Learning Communities Project

Goodwin College, Inc.                                   Job Connection
                                                        Redesign Campus to Add Energy Effectiveness

Goodwin College Foundation, Inc.                        Retrofit Bldg for Energy Efficiency
                                                        Support for Low Income Students

NEW BUSINESS

LoCIP Grant Applications:

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to authorize the Mayor to submit an application to the State of Connecticut
to secure Local Capital Improvement Plan funds (LoCIP) in the amount of
$324,000 for projects listed in the approved 2010 municipal capital
improvement plan.  The projects will be:

1.  Town Hall Parking Lot:      $125,500
2.  Fleet Garage Masonry:       $  75,000
3.  Town Hall Windows II:       $  40,000
4.  Fire House #6 Roof: $  35,000
5.  EHCCC Youth Services
        Entrance Sidewalk:      $    8,500
6.  Pool(s) Soffit/Fascia:      $  40,000
Motion carried 8/0.

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Susan Skowronek
                to amend the 2008 Capital Improvement Plan, specifically Item 2008-303,
entitled McAuliffe Park Catwalk to allow for an additional $100,000 of
funding to demolish the catwalk.
Motion carried 8/0.

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to authorize the Mayor to submit an application to the State of Connecticut
to secure Local Capital Improvement Plan funds (LoCIP) in the amount of
$100,000 to complete the demolition of the McAuliffe Park Catwalk.
Motion carried 8/0.

                
Flood Protection System Rehabilitation Project:

Authorization to Contract with GEI Consultants re: Construction Administration/Inspection Services for the Repair and Maintenance of the Town’s Levee System

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Linda Russo
                to authorize Mayor Melody A. Currey to enter into a $781,132 contract
with GEI Consultants, Inc. to perform services in connection with
construction administration/inspection services for the repair and
maintenance of the Town’s levee system, as such services are more
particularly described in a May 6, 2010 memo from Nick Casparino, Civil
Engineer, to Mayor Melody A. Currey.
Motion carried 8/0.

Authorization to Contract with GEI Consultants re: Design Services for the Repair and Maintenance of the Town’s Levee System

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Linda Russo
                to authorize Mayor Melody A. Currey to enter into a $77,470 contract
with GEI Consultants, Inc. to perform services in connection with design
services for the repair and maintenance of the town’s levee system, as
such services are more particularly described in a May 6, 2010 memo from
Nick Casparino, Civil Engineer, to Mayor Melody A. Currey.
Motion carried 8/0.

Authorization to Contract with Northern Tree Service, Inc. re: Construction Activities re: Town’s Levee System

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Linda Russo
                to authorize Mayor Melody A. Currey to enter into a $3,946,536.05
contract with Northern Tree Service, Inc. to perform construction
activities in connection with the repair and maintenance of the
town’s levee system outlined in Bid #10-14, as such activities
are more particularly described in a May 6, 2010 memo from
Nick Casparino, Civil Engineer, to Mayor Melody A. Currey.
Motion carried 8/0.

Adoption of the Updated Operations and Maintenance Manual for the Town’s Flood Protection System

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Linda Russo
                to adopt the revised Operation & Maintenance Manual
                for the town’s Flood Protection System, as prepared by GEI
                Consultants, Inc., with a revision date of January 2010, as
                referenced in a memo from Nick Casparino, Civil Engineer to Billy Taylor,
                Public Works Director dated May 6, 2010 and more
                specifically titled as follows:

                Operations and Maintenance Manual Volume 1 – Manual
                Operations and Maintenance Manual Volume 2 –Pertinent Drawings
                Motion carried 8/0.


Refund of Taxes

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to refund taxes in the amount of $10,587.37
                pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
                Motion carried 8/0.


Bill
Name
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info.
Int
 Over Paid
2007-03-050621
ALEXANDER KEITH
658SRC
 
 $      (22.45)
2007-03-0051887
AUTOMOTIVE RENTALS INC
1FAFP36361W118082
$    (124.15)
2007-03-0051898
AUTOMOTIVE RENTALS INC
1GCFG25M5X1085919
$    (120.57)
2007-03-0054522
BROOKS KAREN P
362WBK
$      (10.60)
2008-01-0001866
BRYANT ADELE M  L/U OR
1544 MAIN ST
$      (47.52)
BRYANT KURT
2005-03-0055579
CAMINERO GABRIEL E
522TCC
$    (257.27)
2008-04-0081420
COLAGIOVANNI MARIO A JR
760MZB
$      (11.59)
2008-03-0058078
COOKE MONIQUE J
551WYR
$      (56.53)
2005-03-0058936
CROCKER GLEN P OR
BYEBYE
$    (564.00)
CROCKER PATRICIA
1999-01-0004586
ECOLOCHEM INC
401 SCHOOL ST
$    (524.24)
2000-01-0004562
ECOLOCHEM INC
73 RUMSEY RD
$     (16.13)
2001-01-0004569
EDWARDS GARY
31 HIGH ST UNIT #3205
$    (649.99)
2002-01-0004608
EDWARDS GARY
31 HIGH ST UNIT #3205
$    (661.99)
2001-03-0061615
ESTRELLA CARLOS JOSE
719MVA
 $(4.32)
$    (144.02)
2006-01-0009769
FIRST AMERICAN TAX SERVICE
74 LAWRENCE ST
$    (840.50)
2008-03-0063212
FREEMAN TARRA
795UJN                            
  $(35.58)
$    (237.21)
2009-99-0002635
GRIFFITHS FITZROY G
957SVC
$      (45.00)
2001-01-0006835
HOLLMAN ITA H
8 CREE RD
$    (532.88)
2007-03-0067994
HORN MARY ANN
MKADFF
$    (267.77)
2008-01-0006992
HURLEY RICHARD J & MARY
199 TIMBER TR
$     (35.12)
2008-04-0083431
JIMENEZ RONNY O
373XLH
$      (47.51)
2007-03-0070054
KILEY DON R
9C4972
$    (269.51)
2008-04-0083950
LITTLE DIANE R
522XHK
$ (2.00)
$    (32.05)
2008-03-0072448
MACFARLANE SCOTT A
108WAL
$    (139.03)
2007-03-0073016
MAILLET BERNARD J
C99922
$      (11.18)
2007-03-0092019
MAJDAN JOHN S
972RZA
$      (47.50)
2008-03-0072610
MAJDAN JOHN S
972RZA
$      (47.51)
2008-04-0084171
MARCH GARY T
87CA03
$      (36.13)
2008-04-0084207
MARTIN ANDRE E
251VAU
$        (6.40)
2008-03-0074561
MERCHANTS AUTOMOTIVE
35319C
$      (81.61)
2008-04-0084674
MORGAN ERROL A
691XGF
$      (50.99)
2006-01-0009349
BAC TAX SERVICE CORP
30 HILLSIDE ST #C-18
$    (536.93)
2007-01-0009349
BAC TAX SERVICE CORP
30 HILLSIDE ST #C-18
$    (607.43)
2006-01-0010705
O NEAL FRED & PENNEY
256 GOODWIN ST
$    (231.64)
2008-04-0085123
PAPAPIETRO EDWARD J
141XMG
$      (49.63)
2007-03-0080446
PORTO MATEO
622SVO
$      (25.09)
2008-03-0080782
RAVALESE MICHAEL H
509TXJ
$        (5.03)
2008-03-0082814
ROWAN ELNORA M
PRAY
$      (81.62)
2008-03-0083898
VINCENZA SCATA
KR4801
$        (7.51)
2001-03-0083954
SIEMIONKO LILLIAN M
NV283
$      (13.66)
C/O DEBORAH DUNNE WEBSTER TRUST
2008-04-0086725
TATE MARY A
338WNB
$      (24.95)
2008-04-0086752
TESTORI MARK E JR
752XGF
$      (58.18)
2007-04-0089009
VAZQUEZ LYSMAR
672WWB
$(13.76)
$      (57.32)
2004-01-0015005
VIDAL MANUELA M & WILFREDO
106 SANDRA DR
$ (1,179.87)
2006-01-0015000
VIDAL MANUELA M & WILFREDO
106 SANDRA DR
$ (1,572.22)
2008-03-0089025
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD
WVWHV71K37W279531
$     (39.32)
2008-03-0089027
VW CREDIT LEASING LTD
3VWEG71K97M116845
$    (102.36)
SUBTOTAL
$(55.66)
$(10,531.71)
TOTAL
$(10,587.37)
Municipal Lease Financing: Computers

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford intends to purchase certain computers and related equipment as part of the Town of East Hartford Approved Information Technology Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford budgeted monies in account G3300-63234 Information Technology - Leases to pay for such leases; and

WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford, through competitive bidding and the use of Western States Contracting Alliance pricing, will be provided with the requested computers and related lease financing; and

WHEREAS, the total cost of the computers designated for lease financing totals $130,973; and

WHEREAS, the annual cost to the Town of East Hartford for the next three fiscal years to pay principal, interest, and related administrative charges on the lease will be approximately $43,500; and

WHEREAS, as a condition of the lease, the Town will be responsible for the property taxes and insurance on the computers while they are in the town’s possession.  
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor of the Town of East Hartford is authorized to enter into a lease agreement and related documents with Hewlett Packard Financial and Dell, or their financing affiliate, in the initial amount of $130,973.  The interest rate, payment schedule and other details of the financing shall be mutually determined between the company and the Mayor, whose signatures will indicate approval of specific terms and conditions.

On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.



Town’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan: Changes re: Trustee and Custodian

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to adopt the following resolution:

Whereas, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) currently serves as passive, nondiscretionary Trustee for the Town of East Hartford DCP with respect to Hartford Life Insurance Company investments (the “Plan”); and

Whereas, State Street has provided notice to Hartford Life Insurance Company that it will no longer provide these services to Hartford Life Insurance Company customers including but not limited to the Town of East Hartford; and

Whereas, as a result, it is desirable to remove State Street as passive, nondiscretionary Trustee of the trust for the Plan and to appoint Reliance Trust Company (“RTC”) as successor passive, nondiscretionary Trustee of the trust for the Plan; and

Now Therefore Be It Resolved, that State Street is hereby removed as passive, nondiscretionary Trustee of the trust for the Plan, and that Reliance Trust Company is hereby appointed as successor passive, nondiscretionary Trustee for the trust for the Plan with respect to Hartford Life Insurance Company investments; and

Further Resolved, that Mayor Melody A. Currey, on behalf of the Town of East Hartford, is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to execute any and all documents required to effectuate each removal and appointment, including but not limited to the enclosed Trustee Removal and Appointment, and to take such actions as are necessary, appropriate or advisable to effectuate the foregoing resolution.  

On call of the vote, motion carried 8/0.



Referral to Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee re: Revised Job Description for Fleet Manager, Public Works Department

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Marcia Leclerc
                to refer to the Personnel & Pensions Subcommittee the
issue of the revised job description for Fleet Manager at
the Public Works Department and to report back to the
Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
                Motion carried 8/0.


Compensation of Selectmen

MOTION  By Bill Horan
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to postpone action on this issue until
the June 15, 2010 Town Council meeting.
Motion carried 8/0.


Appointment to the Historic District Commission

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Marc Weinberg
                to approve the appointment of Dusty McMahan,
as an Alternate, to the Historic District Commission,
term to expire December 2013.
                Motion carried 8/0.
                                


OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION

None



OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK

Mike Walsh, 79 Fitzgerald Drive, invited all to attend “Project Graduation”, a golf tournament, on Saturday, May 22nd at the Long Hill Country Club.

Councillor Eric Thompson noted that there has been an improvement to the appearance of Elizabeth Shea Park and commented on the utilization of LoCIP funds in the future to help maintain progress in this area.



ADJOURNMENT

MOTION  By Eric Thompson
                seconded by Bill Horan
                to adjourn (9:48 p.m.).
                Motion carried 8/0.



The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on June 1, 2010.






                                        Attest________________________________
                                                        Angela M. Attenello
                                                          TOWN COUNCIL CLERK