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10-04-11 Regular Town Council Minutes
EAST HARTFORD TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

OCTOBER 4, 2011

PRESENT Chair Richard F. Kehoe, Vice Chair William P. Horan, Jr., Majority Leader Barbara-Ann Rossi, Minority Leader Eric A. Thompson, Councillors Marc I. Weinberg, Linda A. Russo, Ram Aberasturia, Susan P. Skowronek and Patricia Harmon


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.


AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to amend the agenda as follows:

                add, under New Business, Item. 8. E. entitled
                Referral to Fees Committee re: Leased Space at the
                East Hartford Community Cultural Center.
                Motion carried 9/0.


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON AGENDA ITEMS

Mayor Leclerc (1) thanked Ed Chavez and Stacey Krechko for once again spearheading the United Way campaign; (2) recognized Robert Pasek for his time of service on the Historic District Commission; and (3) urged the Council to support the Public Health Preparedness Grant and stated that the grant monies include both the salary and benefits associated with the individual who administers this program.


APPROVAL OF MINUTES

September 20, 2011 Regular Meeting  

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                        seconded by Eric Thompson
                        to approve the minutes of the September 20, 2011 Regular Meeting.
                        Motion carried 9/0.


COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS

United Way Campaign Kick-off
Ed Chavez, a 911 dispatcher for the Town of East Hartford, and Stacy Krechko, Youth Services Secretary, co-Chairs of this year’s United Way campaign, stated that this year’s campaign started October 1st and will run through October 31st.  “Penny Wars” are back and this contest has contributed to making East Hartford one of the top tier towns in Connecticut recognized by United Way.  Another fundraising idea, which was implemented by Ms. Krechko and supported by Mayor Leclerc, was “Blue Jeans for a Buck”, which helped raise $184 for the United Way.  Also, this year the United Way is offering a free 2011-2012 NFL schedule to all participants.   Ms. Krechko presented the Council Clerk with a specially marked red bucket for collecting pennies for the “Penny Wars”.


Resignation of Robert J. Pasek from the Historic District Commission and Resignation
of David Hughes from the Zoning Board of Appeals

Chair Kehoe thanked Mr. Pasek for his service on the Historic District Commission and thanked Mr. Hughes for his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals.  



NEW BUSINESS

Reprogramming CDBG Funds for Main Street Streetscape

MOTION  By Barbara Rossi
                seconded by Susan Skowronek
                to adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Town of East Hartford has $56,227 in Community Development Block Grant funds available for reprogramming from the Thirty-fifth Program Year (2009-2010) Streetscape Improvements account, used only for sidewalk improvements; and

WHEREAS, the Town desires to use those funds to establish a Main Street Streetscape account to be used for physical improvements in the central business district, including, but not limited to, tree planting, trash receptacles, public signage, and benches, in addition to sidewalk improvements; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the Grants Administration Office’s Citizen Participation Plan, a 30 calendar day citizen comment period was provided through the publication of a legal notice on August 23, 2011.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the East Hartford Town Council does authorize the reprogramming of the aforementioned 35th Year funds for Main Street Streetscape account.

AND FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that the East Hartford Town Council does authorize its Mayor, Marcia A. Leclerc, to act as a representative of the Town and to submit such documents as may be necessary to enact this reprogramming to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.


Public Health Preparedness Grant Contract

MOTION  By Linda Russo
                seconded by Eric Thompson
                to adopt the following resolution:

RESOLVED that Mayor Marcia A. Leclerc has been empowered to make,   execute and approve on behalf of this corporation any and all contracts or amendments thereof with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health to fund a $163,956 “Public Health Preparedness” grant for the period August 10th 2011 through August 9th 2014.
On call of the vote, motion carried 9/0.

Outdoor Amusement Permit Application: Holiday Fest 2011

MOTION  By Ram Aberasturia
                seconded by Pat Harmon
                to approve the outdoor amusement permit application entitled
Holiday Fest 2011, as submitted by Patricia Sirois, Chair of the East Hartford Beautification Commission, to conduct the Annual Holiday Fest from December 2nd through December 5th with activities as follows:

  • Tree-lighting ceremony with music and singing to be held on the lawn of the Town Green on Friday, December 2nd, between the hours of 6:30PM and 7:30PM
  • Miscellaneous activities including an outdoor petting zoo, horse drawn wagon and a snowman building contest to be held on the Town Green on Sunday, December 4th, between the hours of 12:00PM and 3:00PM
  • Tree of Lights ceremony with music to be held on the lawn of the Raymond Library on Monday, December 5th, 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 9/0.


Refund of Taxes

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Barbara Rossi
                to refund taxes in the amount of $18,669.03   
                pursuant to Section 12-129 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
                Motion carried 9/0.


Bill
Name
Prop Loc/Vehicle Info.
Over Paid
2010-03-0050162
ACEVEDO ESMERALDA
4M2ZU86P4YUJ37097
-20.41
2010-03-0053519
BLAKE ANDREA M
3N1CB51D02L629692
-9.74
2010-03-0056541
CHASE AUTO FINANCE CORP
JF1SG63687H740940
-343.11
2009-03-0060996
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3D4GH57V89T547901
-345.15
2009-03-0060997
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2C3KA53V39H621708
-346.93
2009-03-0060998
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1N4AL21E89C115903
-231.67
2009-03-0061002
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1J4GA39169L771285
-262.88
2009-03-0061006
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1J4GA39199L771295
-157.6
2009-03-0061014
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GNFK26379R234976
-632.74
2009-03-0061024
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JM1BL1SG1A1113516
-178.06
2009-03-0061025
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GNFK23039R238596
-80.42
2009-03-0061030
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GNFK23079R238682
-404.04
2009-03-0061035
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GNFK23009R238717
-404.04
2009-03-0061044
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
5GZEV13D19J135098
-217.38
2009-03-0061047
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
5NPET4AC0AH600826
-138.54
2009-03-0061048
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G4HD57179U121046
-261.9
2009-03-0061056
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
5NPET4AC3AH576179
-173.48
2009-03-0061062
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2B3KA43R78H324871
-355.11
2009-03-0061067
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2B3KA43R18H324865
-258.28
2009-03-0061072
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
5NPET4AC5AH576183
-173.48
2009-03-0061073
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1N4AL21E38C247966
-303.11
2009-03-0061077
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G1AS58H197168412
-59.37
2009-03-0061078
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1N4AL21E49C141477
-231.67
2009-03-0061079
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2D8HN54149R662558
-93.82
2009-03-0061090
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2CNFLNEW6A6217682
-197.98
2009-03-0061091
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2CNFLNEW9A6217692
-297.28
2009-03-0061094
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G2ZA5EB5A4103747
-293.59
2009-03-0061095
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G2ZA5EB8A4105234
-209.99
2009-03-0061100
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3D4GH57V09T528758
-258.74
2009-03-0061102
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G2ZA5EB2A4102698
-251.79
2009-03-0061104
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G1ZC5EB0A4103458
-224.22
2009-03-0061105
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G1ZC5EB5A4104962
-179.08
2009-03-0061109
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2C3KA53V49H528552
-173.22
2009-03-0061115
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G2ZH57N694114304
-103.14
2009-03-0061116
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1G2ZH57N494152212
-68.88
2009-03-0061120
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JTMBD33V485190115
-319.44
2009-03-0061123
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1D8HN44E09B504875
-247.41
2009-03-0061124
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1D8HN54P38B174283
-470.44
2009-03-0061125
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2B3KA43R28H327063
-193.62
2009-03-0061126
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3N1AB61E78L709229
-158.62
2009-03-0061127
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2A8HR44E89R514759
-530.3
2009-03-0061132
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JNKCV61F79M353828
-423.26
2009-03-0061133
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GNDT33S992107905
             -560.40
2009-03-0061135
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2FMDK4JC4ABA11509
-250.46
2009-03-0061136
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JTDBT923284030374
-123.11
2009-03-0061138
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JTDBT923881268585
-147.63
2009-03-0061140
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JTDBT923984030419
-245.94
2009-03-0061141
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2T1BU40E69C054213
-292.22
2009-03-0061145
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3A8FY48B38T203682
-121.42
2009-03-0061147
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3A8FY48B78T203698
-161.97
2009-03-0061148
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3A8FY48B58T203697
-101.26
2009-03-0061149
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3A8FY48B18T203681
-101.26
2009-03-0061155
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2G1WT55K781293669
-348.68
2009-03-0061160
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
KNAFG526287175144
-292.54
2009-03-0061162
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3VWJZ71K28M160969
           -349.7
2009-03-0061171
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1FAHP25W19G124456
-177.16
2009-03-0061172
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
JTEES41AX82040984
-569.88
2009-03-0061174
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3A8FY48929T525020
-101.7
2009-03-0061175
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1J8FF28W58D647343
-403.14
2009-03-0061178
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2G1WT55K481317152
-348.68
2009-03-0061179
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
3FAHP08178R259677
-388.26
2009-03-0061187
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1N4AL21E39C110673
-231.67
2009-03-0061190
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1GTDT13E798154662
-177.4
2009-03-0061191
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1D3HV18P79S797237
-774.14
2009-03-0061192
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1FTRW14839FB08506
-670.21
2009-03-0061203
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1N6AD07W59C415794
-343.88
2009-04-0082186
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2G1WB5EN4A1178000
-148.3
2009-04-0082251
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
KMHDU4AD0AU833950
-200.04
2010-03-0060917
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
1D8HN44E09B504875
-222.36
2010-03-0060957
EAN HOLDINGS LLC
2G1WB5EN4A1178000
-225.97
2010-03-0065117
GROSS DIANA M
1B3EJ46X6YN143971
                -36.9
2010-03-0068166
JOHNSON SHAWN OR
3N1AB61E97L686437
-268.82
TOTAL
  
           $18,669.03


Referral to Fees Committee re: Leased Space at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center

MOTION  By Marc Weinberg
                seconded by Pat Harmon
                to refer to the Fees Committee the issue of leasing Room 103 at
                the East Hartford Community Cultural Center, with instructions to
                review the proposed one-year lease and its terms and to report
                back to the Town Council with its recommendations, if any.
                Motion carried 9/0.


OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNCILLORS TO DIRECT QUESTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION

Pat Harmon (1) asked if the Mayor was able to obtain newer and larger signs to post at entrances to Prospect Street which state that truck traffic is limited to deliveries only; (2) suggested that the answers to questions posed by the Councillors at Town Council meetings be communicated at the following Council meeting so that citizens may hear responses to those issues; (3) stated that the tree belts along Forbes Street from Brewer to Maple are in very poor condition and need to be repaired, either now or in the spring; and (4) would like the town to check on residents of Housing Authority senior complexes during severe storms – like the recent hurricane – to make sure that they are safe.  

Eric Thompson asked (1) if the Housing Authority buildings are on town-owned property; and (2) if the town receives PILOT-type funding for the Housing Authority properties.

Susan Skowronek reported that this past spring, a storm brought down a telephone pole on College Drive.  While CL&P erected a new pole, the old one is still there. Ms. Skowronek asked that the town look into this.

 
COUNCIL ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS

None


OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO SPEAK

Susan Kniep, 50 Olde Roberts Street, (1) asked that the East Hartford Housing Authority minutes be posted to the town’s website; (2) stated that some people, including Councillor Thompson, were not aware of a Council liaison to the East Hartford Housing Authority; (3) believes that the Town Council should be meeting jointly, perhaps on a monthly basis, with the East Hartford Housing Authority; (3)  asked that an update on the status of the town’s assessment revaluation should be on the next Town Council agenda; (4) has forwarded to the Town Council a proposed resolution to revise the state’s collective bargaining laws and asked that it be on the next Town Council agenda; and (5) asked that the actual wages of town employees, including base salary, overtime and benefits, be posted to the town’s website or a hard copy be filed in the Town Clerk’s office.

Minority Leader Eric Thompson asked for a point of personal privilege to address the previous speaker’s comments.  Councillor Thompson stated that he is aware of Council-appointed liaisons to various agencies, including the liaison to the East Hartford Housing Authority.  What was unclear to him was the specific duties of a liaison as it relates to communication with the Council.

Mayor Leclerc (1) thanked David Hughes for his service on the Zoning Board of Appeals; (2) commented on the success of the Citizen’s Academy; (3) stated that the January 2011submission to FEMA for 75% reimbursement has been approved and the town will be receiving $197,510 to help defray the cost of this past winter’s storms; (4) said that Youth Services 40th anniversary will be held on October 12th at 5PM at the East Hartford Community Cultural Center; (5) reported that 3 Saunders Street will be demolished soon; (6) announced that flu shots will be available at the South End Senior Center on November 4th and November 18th; and (7) plans on presenting the Council with an update on the Central Connecticut Solid Waste Authority ordinance enacted by the Council in August 2010.

Barbara Rossi (1) congratulated Youth Services for their 40th Anniversary; and (2) announced that Mykquan Williams, who had recently been recognized by the Council for the Ringside World Tournament Boxing title, is participating in the National PAL Boxing Championship in Toledo Ohio and wished him well.

Susan Skowronek encourage all residents to attend East Hartford High School football games to support the team and the marching band.


ADJOURNMENT

MOTION  By Eric Thompson
                seconded by Bill Horan
                to adjourn (8:39 p.m.).
                Motion carried 9/0.


The Chair announced that the next meeting of the Town Council would be on October 18, 2011.



                                        Attest________________________________
                                                        Angela M. Attenello
                                                          TOWN COUNCIL CLERK